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Cross Border Raiders

30.11.2004

Four teams may have been directed off the course before they could make the climb up the Lanin Volcano, but the effects of making the climb also took their toll and as the race moved into it’s third day only 15 teams remained on the course. (The Spanish Team Aresa Salud who were reported unranked had stopped at CP5.)

Two high profile French teams were among those humbled by the big climb. Both Eafit.com and Sybelles EDF – Europe 2 had come into the race with high expectations, which foundered on the snow covered slopes. Sandra Limouzin of Eafit was in a state of exhaustion and couldn’t continue on the following Mtb stage, a discipline at which the team from Marseilles is usually so strong.

The other withdrawals after the completion of the trek across the Volcano were the strong Swedish team FJS, the Japanese of Samurai Spirit and the Austrian team, Salomon Carinthan Adventure. Their departure meant all 3 qualifiers from Germany and Austria are now out of the race and Salomon USA are at the back of those still racing.

The Americans came down off the mountain just before midnight on Monday, and like all the teams were relieved to get off their feet, and onto their bikes. The 50km route they began took the teams across the border into Chile and snaked through forests of Araucarias before crossing back into Argentina at CP15, and there was a bonus of an hour’s rest as a result. For each border crossing there was a 15 minute time out to allow for any hold-ups, a brief chance to pause, rest ... and search for your passport!

The leaders Nike ACG/Balance Bar extended their lead over Saab Salomon, through this stage, and Nokia Adventure regained 3rd place. On the Chilean side of the border Wilsa Sport/Helly Hansen pushed hard through the night to catch Merrell Zanfel and came within 5 minutes of Salomon Buff at CP17, while Spie The North Face and Salomon Suisse spurred each other on.

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