Patagonia Expedition Race

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The Russians Arrive

Jacqueline Windh / 21.02.2005

February 19, 7:00 p.m: Team Salomon Russia has arrived at the finish line!

Although officially disqualified (for breaking safety regulations earlier in the race), the Russians chose not only to continue on the course, but to continue racing. From PC1 through to PC7, teams Salomon Russia and La Clusaz (France) remained within minutes of one another. But on the final trek to PC8 and PC9, the Russians smoked the French, covering the 74 km to PC8 in about 45 hours (arriving there at 2:55 yesterday afternoon).

They trekked the remaining 22 km to PC9 Cape Froward more slowly, stopping for 5 hours of rest last night. We had expected them to be on the water at first light, but today they were in no rush, leaving the PC (at the top of the cliff) at 9:45, and getting on the water an hour or so later. A brisk tailwind and favourable current helped them along the 30 km coastal paddle.

After hearing yesterday afternoon that Salomon Russia had made PC8, those of us in Punta Arenas rushed out here to Cabo San Isidro, an hour and a half drive south of town on a gradually deteriorating road, hiking the last 5 km along the shoreline under a black starry sky.
Artem, Andrey, Sascha and Mischa arrived here this afternoon, looking cold and wet but with big grins on their faces. Conversation was spirited, fuelled by champagne and wine, as they recounted their adventures and experiences with Race Director Stjepan Pavicic.See All Event Posts