The event organisers played their joker last night by announcing the route for the event. There was always a chance they'd do something out of the ordinary - and they didn't disappoint. Obviously they didn't get enough buzz from the 8,000 mile trial run across 11 countries last year - and have 'modified' the route to incorporate a minimum of 13 countries (plus 1 repeated) this time round.
The options are outlined on the home page of this site, but they are broadly as follows:

1) Start in London - progress through France, Belgium and Germany, then the Czech Republic to the first 'checkpoint' (a teashop somewhere!). Then - roar up through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Russia to Moscow - before descending south through Kazakstan, into Uzbekistan and the second checkpoint - onto the moutains of Krygyzstan, back into Kazakstan, Russia and across Mongolia.

Sound tough...hmm....maybe look at option 2

2) As with 1, through western europe and to the tea shop in Prague, then across Poland and the Ukraine to Kiev - then joining route 1 to take in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Krygyzstan, Russia again and the sprint finish to Mongolia.

Interesting...but the coup de grace could be option 3

3) The same initial route to Prague, but then a dramatic dip southwards through Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan and then to Uzbekistan to join the other racers for the final flurry across Krygyzstan, Russia and Mongolia.

So we're left pondering those mighty options - in the meantime thanks to my former colleague Chris who kindly donated to the cause.