Patagonian Expedition Race
Atlantic to Pacific – The Patagonian Expedition Race 2016 is Open
Rob Howard / 13.02.2016
The Patagonian Expedition Race 2016 opening ceremony has now taken place and the 12th edition of this great race is now officially underway.
Teams had been registering, resting from their flights and shopping in Punta Arenas all day but they are scattered all around the town and surrounding area, so tonight on the 6th floor of the Best Western Hotel was the first time they had all come together.
Race Director Stjepan Pavicic opened the event saying, “I am happy to see the race return after 2 years and to see you all gathered here.” He thanked all those who support and help with the race, including the volunteers who were among those gathered in the packed room, then continued, “And about the journey ahead I am going to tell you ... nothing!”
After the laughter subsided he did in fact give away some important information. “I can tell you the start is in a very mystical place,” he said. “It will be at the place where Magellan discovered the start of the passage now named after him, the Magellan Strait.” The race will start on the only part of Chile touching the Atlantic Ocean and progress west to the Pacific fed waters of Fjiordland, crossing not only Patagonia but the continent.
Pavicic continued, “I can also tell you something you may be happy about, or maybe not ... The second section of the race will be the longest bike ride we have ever included. It will be 272km, and it will be against the prevailing wind.” He was grinning as he said this and whoops and some (slightly hysterical) laughter erupted around the room. Riding into the wind in Patagonia is a big deal.
He concluded, “Good luck with the weather, and please always respect the power nature.”
The ceremony, which was very mercifully brief compared to most, concluded with each of the teams stepping up to be presented, most looking very uncomfortable, not surprisingly. Only Ben Spurway of the Green Sentinels spoke, giving a cheery ‘Hi Everyone!”. There was special applause for the only Chilean team in the race, and also for the only missing team, Vaucluse Evasions of France, who are yet to arrive due to a delayed flight.
And of course there was respectful applause for teams numbered 3 to 1, Yogaslackers, East Wind and Godzone Adventure, who have filled the podium in the previous two races. Nick Gracie of Godzone Adventure held the race trophy as the team took the stage. As he handed it back Pavicic said, “I know everyone here is waiting for you to return the trophy and if you want it back you will have to earn it.”
A few teams present may want to take the trophy away from the British team who are unbeaten at this race, but most will focus on a good performance and reaching the finish line, and no matter where they finish or how far into the course the get, all of them will earn it, every step of the way.
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