1982 Camel Trophy - Papua New Guinea

The 1982 Camel Trophy in Papua New Guinea marked the event’s transformation into a truly international adventure, bringing together teams from Europe and the United States to tackle one of the most remote and demanding environments yet. Held on the eastern half of New Guinea, the third Camel Trophy sent eight two‑person teams in Range Rover vehicles along a hazardous route from Mount Hagen to Madang, where relentless rain, mudslides, river crossings, and washed‑out tracks forced competitors to spend nights building bridges and repairing roads just to keep moving. That year also introduced “Special Tasks” to add a competitive element to the expedition, while encounters with local cultures—most famously the Asaro Mud Men—became iconic moments in Camel Trophy lore. Ultimately, the Italian team of Cesare Geraudo and Giuliano Giongo claimed victory, setting a precedent for the event’s blend of endurance, cultural encounter, teamwork, and off‑road ingenuity/