Ecomotion 2011
EcoMotion to Start With a Splash
Rob Howard / 08.04.2011
The event is long established and popular international race and a former host of the World Championships (2008) that always attracts a strong international entry, though this year three-quarters of the field are Brazilian teams, and the 10 international teams are almost all mixed nationality. (It would also appear the race may have dropped out of the World Series as neither the race website or the World Series site are now referencing each other ... ?)
Among the international visitors are World Champion Arnau Julia of Team Buff, who is racing with the Adventure Camp team. Another mixed Brazilian/international team is Quasar Lontra/SOLE, a combination of two of the most successful teams in the race, and one of the pre-race favourites. Led by Rafael Campos Quasar Lontra won the last race (held in 2009), while SOLE were winners in 2006. SOLE regulars Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren are great supporters of the race, and Romero is coming fresh from a win in the recent Tantauco Exploration race in Chile.
Other international visitors are mostly from within South America, including a Uruguayan team, one from Chile, and two Argentinean teams, one of them Team Cristagua who were so impressive in the Terra Viva race earlier in the year.
The only team with racers solely from outside South America are the Scandinavian AXA Sport Club team (who think the race is in the World Series judging by their website), and they must be one of the favourites. They certainly have the most experience as they are lead by Michael Lindnord, and include Jari Kirkland, Petri Forsman and Jari Palonen. Expect them to be near the front, with Quasar Lontra/SOLE and Oskalunga/DF.
SleepMonsters
