Spanish team Air Europa Bimont was one of the surprises of Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race 2010, securing an impressive second place after a hard fight in a strong field of copetitors. Here the team reveals their experiences of competing in the world’s toughest race.
What made you come to the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race?
Jon Ander Arambalza: We have spent two years listening to stories about this race and this year we turned on the light and decided that it was a unique opportunity and we had to come here. The three things we were most attracted to were the magnitude, the route and the difficulty.
What was your first impression given route?
JA: I personally loved it. This was a race for us. It is clear that there were difficult areas, but we saw very clear structure. The first part went very quickly, and it was important to move ahead, and the four-day trek was very intense, so that's where we needed more resources as you spend more energy and have to introduce more psychology in that part.
Urtzi Iglesias: We knew the bike stage would be long but not technical, but then you get factors like the wind. That was the hardest thing, and then with the high mileage it was physically and psychologically tough. We were a bit concerned with kayaking, but when we saw the breakdown of disciplines, we realised it was quite feasible for us to do well.
What was the hardest point?
JA: The main trek was the most intense, because of the sleep deprivation and the lack of points where you see people. These four days were the longest on a physical and psychological level. We had moments of elation, very positive, but after that there were downs, restlessness, insecurity; lots of things go through your head.
Was there a moment thought about retiring?
JA: I never mentioned it, but I think a thousand times!
Uxue Fraile: Everyone, I think, has that thought at different times, but ultimately you do not say and keep going. You are suffering, but your team-mates are suffering with you, So you grit your teeth, forget that thought and move on.
Uxue, could you describe the accident that happened to you?
UF: We had been going through the Passage Los Lagunas and wer were on a bit of slope. I slipped and hit my knee on a rock. It was a moment we were going very well but then we had to slow down.
What were the most amazing moments for you?
UI: One of the most beautiful moments was crossing the Beagle Channel in a kayak. It was a long stage, but it went really very quickly because of how amazing it was to be paddling in that water. I especially liked the wilderness, it makes you really feel like you are a tiny thing when either side you see huge mountains and vast valleys and you know that you will not see anyone. That's incredible.
UF: We are not used to this, it seems. Where we live everything is busy and this has impacted me greatly, walking through these places.
What does it mean for you to have achieved second place?
JA: It was a dream to come here and finish it. This means a lot to us and having achieved second place it is something that strengthens us more as a team.
Saul Abril: We have a lot of respect for Helly Hansen. They are the reigning world champions and the first two or three days we were able to be there, occasionally being in front. It is surprising to have been able to follow a few days.
Will you be back to the race again next year?
UI: At least Jon and I have a clear plan to be here again next year because this is such an incredible experience, a unique opportunity. If we had not come to this race, it is likely that we had never been to Puerto Williams or Cordillera Darwin, and this race helps you fulfill those dreams.
And if you come back, you will want to win, I guess?
JA: That for sure!
UF: Definately, at least we have to come with that goal.
UI: You have to be humble. This race has gone well, but it can also easily go wrong. Ultimately this race must be lived as an adventure, as an objective simply to be here and enjoy it. We'll come to fight, and whatever teams come, we will go after them.
