Race report: Andes Pacifico presented by Santa Cruz

This is Andes Pacifico! A stunning view out of the chopper on today's special stages! — This is Andes Pacifico! A stunning view out of the chopper on today’s special stages! Photo by Sven Martin.

Day two of the Andes Pacifico race is over and it has certainly shown off the amazing trails in the area. With only three liaison and three special stages the race was still as hard as yesterday.

The racer's camp for the night! Long, hard days and short nights - a multi-day enduro race is a big challenge! — The racer’s camp for the night! Long, hard days and short nights – a multi-day enduro race is a big challenge! Photo by Claudio Olguin.

This mornings shuttle above the city of Santiago during Andes Pacifico. Photo by Gary Perkin.

Again after an early start, riders were transported to 2,600 m altitude where they began the longest special stage of the race, descending over 1,500 vertical meters on all kinds of landscapes and terrains. From steep faces to the wonderful mountain range forests mixed with cactus and rocks.

Jerome Clementz continues his domination of the Andes Pacifico during Day 2. Photo by Gary Perkin.

Jerome Clementz had told us that he liked long stages, and showed this with a clear 20 second lead on the first stage, followed by compatriot François Bailly- Maitre. In the women Anka Martin extends her leads with a time of 28:45.

Q6Ifog8Ub1R9zHOxHMuY1tv-7sNv_l0Naxe7UfyD05o — Pauline Dieffenthaler. Photo by Gary Perkin.

The second special stage was characterized by being much more technical with many loose corners, taking the fastest riders over 8 minutes. Here again the Frenchman Jerome Clementz took the win with a time of 8:11 followed by Chris Johnston with 8:31. In women Anka Martin again overcame her nearest competitor Pauline Dieffenthaler.

Day 2 of the Andes Pacifico near Santiago. Photo by Gary Perkin.

The third stage came after a long liaison that ended with a walk that left many sweat marks on the dusty soil. This SS was a surprise to everyone because the very sandy soil turned the stage in some in some type of SX track. In fact Paul Smail came down saying that the best technique he had found was to pop stick his foot out in all the turns, full Moto style. Here again Clementz demonstrated his mastery taking home the last special stage with a time of 7:13 and a margin of 20 seconds over Lars Sternberg who carried out his run followed by a chopper who was taking a video for Smith Optics.

It's hot out here! Some shade is warmly welcome for the riders. Photo by Gary Perkin — It’s hot out here! Some shade is warmly welcome for the riders. Photo by Gary Perkin

This is definitely something you don't want to crash into: a cactus. Photo by Dave. Trumpore — This is definitely something you don’t want to crash into: a cactus. Photo by Dave. Trumpore

UK’s Adam Brayton finishing 11th overall after day 2. by Dave Trumpore.

Yeti's Joey Schusler finishing 7th on his SB-66 Carbon. Photo by Dave Trumpore. — Yeti’s Joey Schusler finishing 7th on his SB-66 Carbon. Photo by Dave Trumpore.

Andres Pacifico: Day 2 — German rider Maxi Dickerhoff had some mechanicals.

Lars Sternberg was chased b a chopper — Lars Sternberg was chased by the heli.

Jerome Clementz spotted on his 650B Cannondale Prototype — Jerome Clementz on his 650B Cannondale Jekyll prototype.

The Andes Pacifico day 2 ended again with Jerome Clementz on top followed by Nico Prudencio who is with François Bailly- Maitre and Chris Johnston. Women continue to be led by Anka Martin followed by Pauline Dieffenthaler.

Dylan Wolsky on his Santa Cruz — Dylan Wolsky from Canada finishing 8th on his Santa Cruz.

This racer trusted Schwalbe's Magic Mary / Rock Razor tire combination — For those loose and dry conditions the combination of Schwalbe’s Magic Mary in front and the Rock Razor in the back ain’t a bad choice!

Come back tomorrow for the race report of day 3! Photo by Sven Martin.

Today’s results:

Words: Eduardo de Solminihac Photos: Gary Perkin, Sven Martin, Dave Trumpore and Claudio Olguin.

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Race report: Andes Pacifico presented by Santa Cruz – Day 2

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