Transandes Challenge starts next week

The TransAndes Challenge, the most challenging mountain bike race ever organized in Chile, will start on February 3 and cover 480km over six days, finishing on February 8. More than 100 racers from 15 countries will arrive in Pucon in southern Chile to race in two-person teams.

The race is structured like the TransRockies and TransAlp stage races and will travel around Volcan Villarica's slopes and on Lake Villarica's banks. Racers will cover approximately 70km per day with the fastest teams finishing in about four hours per stage.

"The course has been designed for racers to give their best physically as well as mentally - with technical paths, wide trails and virgin landscapes," said Juan Pablo Santiagos, TransAndes Challenge Director.

TransAndes Challenge 2009
February 3: Stage 1 - Pucón – Termas de Menetue, 85km
February 4: Stage 2 - Termas Menetue - Termas Menetue, 67.30km
February 5: Stage 3 - Termas de Menetue - Termas de Quimeyco, 54.90km
February 6: Stage 4 - Termas de Quimeyco - Villa Pehuenia (Argentina), 82.84km
February 7: Stage 5 - Villa Pehuenia ( Argentina ) - Termas de Quimeyco 93km
February 8: Stage 6 - Termas de Quimeyco- Pucón, 91.42km