Huairasinchi Ecuador
Day 1 of Huairasinchi Chevrolet 2012
Isabela Green / 18.02.2012
The 10th Edition of Huairasinchi Chevrolet 2012 took off in a flash of bicycles at exactly 6:15 am from the main plaza in Aloasi. Teams started to arrive as early as 5:00 am despite the strong rains on the route from Quito to the starting point. The official Huairasinchi photograph was taken at five past six and was quickly followed by the teams moving into position ready for the countdown.
Their first leg was a rapid ascent to the highest point of the race – the Virgin of the Ilinizas located at 4,800 metres above sea level. The rain and cold continued through this leg before clearing at around 10:00 am just in time for the Wild Racers crew to jump on a helicopter as they attempted to catch the teams in action from the air.
The majority of teams made great time in this first stage with team # 1 Ecuador – Nissan leading with more than 30 minutes advantage. They were followed by team # 6 Tecnu and team # 11 Fedeme-Top Bike. This stage was followed by a slow descent on the other side of the Ilinizas where teams trekked to a ropes system and rappelling course down a waterfall.
At CP 2, team Ecuador held on to their lead followed by team # 3 Merrell Adventure Addicts and team # 39 Husqvarna from the adventure category. At the end of the rappel CP, team Ecuador was still in the lead followed by team # 8 Lafuma Vibram and team # 49 Renault, also from the adventure category.
SleepMonsters
