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Icefield plan for 2011 Patagonian Expedition Race

News Release / 04.08.2010

Organizers of the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race have revealed the 2011 route will be the first to take competitors to the edge of the world’s third biggest continental ice field – and 10 teams have already signed up to take on the challenge.

Following a new partnership agreement with three Chilean government organisations, the race will be run with increased focus on highlighting some of the country’s spectacular scenery as well as its strong environmental conscience.

Race organiser Stjepan Pavicic usually keeps the route a secret until 24 hours before the race begins – but he has now confirmed plans to develop a route further north than ever before, around the massive ice field and the fjordland of Chile’s West Coast.

Pavicic said: “The increased commitment to building the synergy between the race and the promotion of Chilean tourism has enabled us to seek out areas of the Patagionan region that we have not been to before – and that is very exciting for everyone involved.

“The 2010 event went further south than we have ever been, exploring the very important area of Chilean Tierra del Fuego, including the Darwin range and the Wildlife Conservation Society reserve of Karukinka which the race supports.

“That produced a wild and thrilling event - but I am now extremely excited about the prospects for next year’s route. It will lead us through gigantic fjords as we move along the edge of the third larges continental ice field in the world.

“This is an virgin and wild area that man has not yet been able to conquer, where there exists no trace of civilisation. The race is growing in stature year on year and every time we have to come up with something spectacular. I think the 2011 race will deliver this more than ever…”

The race, which continues to be title sponsored by Swiss company Wenger, will be delivered to the Leave No Trace principles and will again support the Wildlife Conservation Society through raising awareness of its projects throughout Chile.

Pavicic also revealed, in a press conference in Santiago, that team applications have hit double figures with 10 international teams already confirmed to take on the event – leaving just five spaces available for remaining teams.

“Application take-up this year has been faster than it has ever been before,” said Pavicic. “We are delighted to confirm we have already hit double figures and we expect the remaining places available to go very soon.”

The new agreement involves the Fundación Imagen de Chile, SERNATUR and the Trademark Sectoral Committee Corfo. Juan Gabriel Valdés, chief executive of Imagen de Chile, said: "This race is a great way to show the world what Chile is all about, that we have wonderful geography and we are building tourism while respecting the environment.”