Patagonia Expedition Race

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The Russians are Coming!

Jacqueline Windh / 19.02.2005

February 18, 3:00 p.m. We have just received a sat-phone call from PC8 Brunswick! Salomon Russia arrived 5 minutes ago, at 2:55 p.m., to do the ropes section.

They have powered through this trek, completing 75 km in about 45 hours and have 22 km to go to PC9 Cape Froward, from where they will kayak the final 30 km north eastwards to the finish at Cape San Isidro.

Because of the dark zone closure for kayaking, I expect that they will probably not rush to Cape Froward, and will even be able to get a few hours of rest before getting on the water at 5:30 a.m. If conditions are fine on the water, so they should make the finish line in about 3 hours, around 8:30 a.m.

Although officially disqualified, Artem, Mischa, Sascha and Andrey have performed amazingly. Artem told me before the race that their goal was to finish the race, and to get to know the countryside. They are doing both!

We have no news of French team La Clusaz yet, who are the official race leaders. Although the two teams have been together throughout most of the race, last time we saw the teams La Clusaz definitely looked more tired – they could be only moments behind the Russians, or they may have fallen well back.

I am leaving Punta Arenas tomorrow at 5:00 a.m. for Cape San Isidro – I expect to get there by 8:00, hopefully just in time to see Salomon Russia paddle in.See All Event Posts