Stage racers head to Guatemala

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Coming up next weekend, from October 9 to 11, the El Reto del Quetzal stage race will feature more singletrack than in previous years. The mountain bike stage race is run over three days in Guatemala.

As in previous years, stage one will be the longest at about 90km. About 25 percent will be singletrack with a historic flavor, including a portion new the event. Some of the trails have been used for over 400 years ago by Mayans for communication, commerce and water transport between villages.

Stage two will cover 66km and be shorter than last year with some swapping of paved sections for more gravel roads and singletrack.

The final 63km stage three remains unchanged from last year with plenty of downhills and views of the Guatamalan countryside.

Racers from Portugal, Italy, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, United States, Spain, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are registered.

For more information, visit www.elretodelquetzal.com.

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