Püschel wins Trans Andes stage 5 and takes over lead

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Chilean Javier Püschel overtook Portugal's Joao Marinho in the Trans Andes general classification during stage 5. Püschel won the day's stage and moved into the race lead while Marinho slipped back to second overall.

Third across the line on the day was Canadian men's duo team Nativo with Matthew Hadley and Benoit Simard, who have secured first place in their category.

Americans Mary McConneloug and Michael Broderick (Kenda/Seven/Stan's NoTubes) got their fifth win in the mixed duo category and are leading the overall.

Rebecca Rusch (Specialized) took another victory in the women's race and is virtually assured the women's overall win.

During today's stage, racers departed the Menetúe Thermals and began a technical but fun trail located on the banks of a lake. Then came the most demanding section of the day's stage - a long and steep climb where participants had to walk pushing their bikes. From the highest point, participants could see and appreciate five different volcanoes of the Andes Mountains. Then came a descent to the shores of the Caburgua Lake, where riders took a secondary route to the finish line located in the town of Pucon.

Tomorrow's 45km stage will wrap up the Trans Andes Challenge and will stat and finishin downtown Pucon. Racers will climb up to the top of a ski resort on the Villarrica Volcano, then coast back down toward Pucon.

Full Results for stage 5. (GC after stage 5 not available).