Sunday evening’s 2011 Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race Opening Ceremony didn’t fall short in inspiring the 56 international racers taking to the field on Tuesday morning.
While full details on the race route were revealed to team captains late last night, race creator and founder Stjepan Pavicic hinted at what was in store for competitors, painting a visual picture of the course which will pass mountains, lakes, fjords, canyons, waterfalls, pampas fields and volcanic plains.
“This will be our ninth edition, 617 kilometres through an amazing, magical territory. It will be a long and strenuous expedition race marked by geographical contrasts and a restless, unpredictable climate,” he said.
With some 260 kilometres of trekking - including a single stretch of 191 kilometres - this year’s race incorporates more trekking than previous editions and is set to challenge racers both physically and mentally yet again.
“You will be marked forever by this experience in Patagonia, and whether you like it or not, you will be our ambassadors to the world. In your tales, there will be an underlying common message: Chilean Patagonia belongs to Humanity’s Natural Heritage and we must preserve it,” Pavicic reminded racers, who were not deterred, nor surprised, by the challenges they will face.
“We expected the race to be this tough. We think the kayaking section is not too long but it will depend on the weather. If the wind is blowing into our chest, it will be very difficult. We are all good at trekking so it is not too bad,” said Croatia’s Elvir Sulic from Ad Natura – Karibu, after the ceremony.
Nick Gracie from adidasTERREX added: “It is going to be a very long time on our feet, and I think our early predictions are that only two or three teams will finish the race. The feet sections are always tough, and it is going to be a lot on foot. We think, based on the numbers, we will take seven days. It will be hard, the scenery will be amazing but the feet will be sore by the end!”
During his address, Pavicic also took the time to thank sponsors and all those involved in this year’s race, noting in his address the hardships faced by his fellow Chileans throughout the past year.
“Bringing this project to fruition has always been a very complex task, but this year it has been especially difficult. The country has had to overcome the devastation of a huge earthquake, and with this the priority has been to reconstruct the country,” he said.
The Opening Ceremony closed with an inspiring video of images from past editions of the race, showcasing the wildlife, magical landscapes and unpredictable climate of Patagonia.
“Looking at those pictures from past races is giving me goose bumps. I have such pride for Chile, for Stjepan. I have raced in Australia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Europe. This really is the last wild race,” said Tas Lawrie, Team Captain of Four Continents, after the Ceremony.
