With 200 riders revving up to face some of the world’s toughest terrain in Red Bull Los Andes follow our 10-point guide to the extreme conditions that will test the best endurance riders to the maximum on Saturday, November 28.
The Course: The race will be contested over two 30km laps although the exact route will remain under lock and key until Saturday morning. Whatever route the riders take from the start/finish line 2,600 metres above sea level in the heart of the Andes, it’s guaranteed to challenge rider and machine to the limit. Yes there will be hellish 90-degree climbs up muddy banks and yes there will be no hiding from the white water as the course crashes through mountain streams on their way past four checkpoints. Only the bravest need apply.
The Start: All 200 riders will set off from the start/finish line at midday and face the challenges ahead side-by-side, the novices and the professionals, the men and the women. At least the simultaneous start will ensure anyone with second thoughts will not want face the embarrassment of being left alone on the start line as the field launches itself full throttle into the madness ahead.
Alfredo Escobar/Red Bull Photofiles
The Prize: There is a brand new Honda CRF 450X waiting for the winner. Since coming on the market in 2008, this off-road adaptation of the CRF model is considered one of the best Moto X machines around – Chaleco Lopez himself will ride one in the event. As with the regular CRFs, it has the liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine which was developed using Formula One technology but the X series adds higher beam lighting, electric start, superior suspension, engine and exhaust tuning, larger fuel tanks and wider-spread gear ratios. In fact it would come in handy during the races so it’s just too bad you’ve got to finish first to get your hands on it.
The Categories: The simultaneous start means Enduro, Moto X and Moto Rally classes are all lumped in together and it will be left up to the course to decide who comes home first. The widely varying terrain will be a great leveller and leaves the race result open for an upset. Aside from the top prize, further rewards are on offer in the following four categories; Super Experts Men, Experts Men, Intermediates Men and Women.
The Rules: Unlike the course, the Red Bull Los Andes rules are easy to navigate. Basically, anybody with two wheels, an up-to-date license and valid insurance can take part. The race is limited to 200 riders and applications have come in from far and wide. The huge amount of local riders wishing to tackle the course is surprising as presumably they are fully aware of what they will be up against!
Alfredo Escobar/Red Bull Photofiles
Francisco ‘Chaleco’ Lopez: Leading the way is the darling of Chilean motorsport Francisco Lopez: “In my career I’ve ridden in all situations imaginable and I’m convinced, without a doubt, that Red Bull Los Andes is the world’s most extreme race.” Francisco has petrol in his veins; as a youngster he saw his father Renato crowned Chilean Moto X champion three times. Francisco’s first title came at the age of 14 when he became Latin American champion in the 85cc category. As a Honda rider, he added 125cc and 250cc titles to his name. In 2005 he rewarded Honda with their first ever stage win in the Patagonia-Atacama Rally and added first place at the 450cc off-road World Cup. When the Dakar relocated to South America in 2009, Lopez won the inaugural stage. Francisco is better known as Chaleco (Spanish for vest) which was his father’s nickname. The name comes from the woollen garment his mother made for his father to wear in races.
Cyril Despres: Red Bull Los Andes has attracted the world’s most fearless riders. At the top of that list is two-time Dakar champion Cyril Despres. The Enduro legend has come a long way since he funded his own route to Dakar in 2000 by selling wine with his racing partner Michel Gau. Since then, the Frenchman has won Dakar in 2005 and 2007 and been runner-up in 2003, 2006 and 2009. Further wins in Rally Tunisia, Rally d'Orient, Rally Morocco and the World Cross Country Rally mark Cyril out as one of best around. “This invitation got me excited as I know the terrain already. Red Bull Los Andes is going to be the perfect race to get in shape for the Dakar next year.”
The Fans: With the course just 36km from Santiago de Chile, organisers are expecting at least 2,500 fans. Entry is free and there are three special viewing points set up along the course. El Montañes restaurant offers a perfect view of the start, the triumphant conclusion and the award ceremony. Two more spectator areas will be in place along the route with each one commanding a view of at least 30% of the action. These two spots can house 500 people each but spectators are advised to turn up early to avoid disappointment. Live music will be provided throughout the day and spectators are encouraged to bring their BBQ gear.
Los Farellones: The town is a short ride from Chile’s capital Santiago and close to the popular ski resorts of Valle Nevado, La Parva and El Colorado. The small town sits on a plateau 2,600 metres above sea level and its wooden houses give it a distinct Alpine feel. Its three slopes have been attracting skiers since the 1930s and from the town it’s possible to access El Colorado by a ski lift. From the top of the mountain, thrill seekers can slalom a full kilometre well over 3,000 metres above sea level.
Keep track – Stay in the saddle and get the latest news from Red Bull Los Andes by following twitter updates. In-depth news is at the event’s official site.
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