Racing

Race Report | Santa Cruz Andes Pacifico 2015 – Day 3

16.02.2015
by
andes pacifico day 3 gary perkin 6 810x540


Today, day 3 of the 2015 Santa Cruz Andes Pacifico was totally different from the previous two days. The location of Apalta recognized for its excellent wines, welcomed this competition today that was scheduled with two special stages.

Nate HIlls was in the running after Day 2 but would loose 10 minutes on the final stage of Day 3 due to a front flat
Nate Hills was in the running after Day 2 but would lose 10 minutes on the final stage of Day 3 due to a front flat

The special two was on Lapostolle Winery in between native forests and even vineyards from which the grapes are selected to make some of the best wines of Chile.

The grape vines provide some shade and good wine!
The grape vines provide some shade and good wine!
Old mining roads provide access for shuttle vehicles to get riders close to the start of the day, but once the roads end riders must pedal the last few kilometers to the start of each stage.
Old mining roads provide access for shuttle vehicles to get riders close to the start of the day, but once the roads end riders must pedal the last few kilometers to the start of each stage.

The day was not easy, 32º c, in the shade accompanied the riders on the transfers and special stages. The GPS’s riders marked 47ºc in the sun, confirming the thermal sensation felt by runners.

The second transfer had vertical climb of 1000 meters which riders had to complete with the bikes on their shoulder to get to the start of the special stage 13.

Climbing in the scorching heat.
Climbing in the scorching heat.

The drop in Stage 13 paid it all, more than 11 minutes for the fastest, through a singletrack with natural berms under oak woods, ditches and jumps, made this track one of the most complete in the entire race. In fact, several riders mentioned that it was their favorite trail of the race.

Andes Pacifico 2015

Today Fabien Barel again took the day, and leads the overall standings. Nico Lau finishes second and 32 seconds behind Barel. Chris Johnston arrived third, consolidate him with the third position overall.

Fabien Barel Still hold the lead.
Fabien Barel Still hold the lead.
Nioco Lau is close behind.
Nico Lau is close behind.

In the Ladies Florencia Espiñeira finds her true pace and took a good a distance by more than 12 minutes of Rachel Walker that is second. Third is Sarah Rawley.

The Masters are led by two Chilean Mountain Bike legends. Claus Plaut 2014 who won the Andes Pacifico 2014, again is leading the competition, followed by Felipe Vasquez who is two minutes behind. Third is the British René Damseaux.

andes-pacifico-day-3-dave-trumpmore-16

Words: Eduardo de Solminihac Photos: Gary Perkin(#5), Claudio Olguin(#4,6,7) and Dave Trumpore(#1-3,8)

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