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


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.


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 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.


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.

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.







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.



Today’s results:

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