Patagonia Expedition Race

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Moving Forward to Froward

Jacqueline Windh / 22.02.2005

February 16, 7:00 p.m: Great news!! La Clusaz and Salomon Russia have both made it across Otway Sound, and have arrived at PC7. These teams have been together since the race started, five long days ago – sometimes deliberately working together in certain sections, but other times pushing hard to get ahead of one another.

The Russians arrived at PC7, at the top of Silva Palma Fiord, at 4:53 p.m., and the French arrived only 19 minutes later at 5:12 p.m. Although the Russians have been officially disqualified, they are clearly a powerful and professional team, and even if they aren’t in the official ranking, completing this tough course that is leaving so many behind will be a major accomplishment.

The wind has been blowing for most of the day, from the west (as it does all of the Patagonian summer). For all of the teams cycling today, this has meant a tailwind from PC5 to Rio Verde, and a headwind for most of the 70 km from Rio Verde to PC6 Seno Otway.

I have just arrived here at PC6, and we are all appreciating the hospitality of the people here from Sutivan Station. They killed a lamb for us, and the Argentinean film crew that is here have it splayed out roasting slowly over a smoky fire.

There is generator-powered electricity at the moment but no internet connection, so I am typing away on the laptop while the gennie is running, and hopefully will be able to email this report out tomorrow from Punta Arenas ... all things going well.See All Event Posts