Conservation scientist Dr Timm Döbert and former Canadian decathlete Leanna Carriere have reached Mazatlán, Mexico, approximately one-third of the way through their extraordinary 30,000km Wings of Survival expedition.

Their journey has taken them through Alaska, Canada, the United States and Baja California, combining endurance sport, scientific research, conservation and education.

Speaking to Global Sustainable Sport (GSS), Döbert reflected on their progress.

“Looking back, I feel all those places like the High Arctic and Alaska almost don’t feel like the same trip.”

The journey has included crossing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, travelling through ancient redwood forests, exploring the deserts of Baja California and finally encountering the Whimbrels whose migration they are following.

Following nature’s greatest endurance athletes

Weighing approximately 500 grams, the Hudsonian Whimbrel is capable of flying thousands of kilometres without stopping to eat, drink or sleep.

As Döbert explained before departing:

“We need to create stories that connect people emotionally. We want to draw people into the story of migration, portraying these birds as the greatest athletes on the planet.”

The expedition has already delivered a remarkable scientific milestone.

One GPS-tagged Whimbrel has completed its migration from Chile to Alaska and returned to the very same beach in Chile where researchers originally tagged it in January.

The tracking data is providing important insights into migration routes and habitats requiring protection.

From Alaska to the deserts of Mexico

The physical and logistical challenges have been considerable.

Supported by Go Auto and drivers Todd and Liam, the athletes travelled through Canada and the United States with a Ford support vehicle.

However, insurance restrictions prevented the vehicle from continuing into Mexico, forcing the pair to carry their equipment on their bicycles for the subsequent 1,500 kilometres.

“It’s a lot of surviving on the road,” Döbert told GSS.

Despite the challenges, there have been memorable moments, including a visit to Patagonia’s headquarters in Ventura, where the athletes received a warm welcome from the company’s global marketing director.

Their research into plant-based nutrition, physical endurance and mental resilience is also continuing, supported by several Canadian nutrition brands.

Tracking air quality across the Americas

The expedition is generating valuable environmental data through a partnership with Air Aware Labs, whose AirTrack technology monitors air pollution along the route.

Integrated into the interactive ZeroSixZero expedition map, the technology allows followers to monitor air quality alongside the cyclists’ progress.

Analysis of the first 6,245 kilometres found generally good air quality, although wildfire smoke affected sections of British Columbia.

For Carriere, the information provides an important safety resource.

“It gives us the information we need to make smart decisions while we’re riding, whether that means masking up, adjusting our intensity, or re-routing if needed.”

Döbert believes the research has wider implications.

“Air pollution is a highly underrated risk in the context of long-distance endurance challenges. This applies to human-powered expeditions and bird migrations alike.”

Inspiring the next generation

Education and community engagement remain central to Wings of Survival.

In Baja California, conservation partner Pronatura Noroeste organised a programme of school visits, university presentations, community events and sporting activities.

The Moving Artistry Productions team also joined the expedition to capture footage for the forthcoming Wings of Survival documentary.

Virtual classrooms, including sessions with Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, are connecting young people directly with the expedition and the extraordinary science of bird migration.

The project is also attracting growing international attention, with coverage from The Wildlife Society, Audubon Magazine and Ubuntu Magazine.

A race that needs support

The next stage involves another 2,500 kilometres across mainland Mexico before reaching Guatemala and continuing through Central America towards South America.

However, securing financial support remains a significant challenge.

The team is particularly seeking funding for a support vehicle in Colombia to enable them to continue their scientific research, educational activities and documentary production through South America.

Wings of Survival demonstrates how sport can connect Participation, People, Partnerships and Planet, creating measurable impact far beyond athletic performance.

This is more than an extraordinary endurance challenge. It is an opportunity to use sport to reconnect people with nature, inspire young generations and demonstrate why protecting biodiversity matters to everyone.

After 100 days, 8,500 kilometres and 70,000 metres of climbing, the race with nature continues and Wings of Survival is inviting partners and supporters to help them reach the finish line.

To provide vital support to the Wings of Survival programme click here