January 24, 2013 (Menetúe Hot Springs, Chile) – Transandes Challenge has reached the mid point after the completion of stage three. The Chilean cyclist Javier Püschel took first place, second was the portuguese rider Joao Marinho, leader of the general class. For the Mixed Team, Americans Mary McConneloug and Michael Broderick win once again, showing their strength capability.

The third stage of the Transandes Challenge was completed in between Coñaripe and Menetúe Hot Springs in southern Chile. Seventy-four kilometers through the wonderful transvolcanic pass of the Villarrica National Park. Riders were able to appreciate the majestic Villarrica Volcanoe along with the uncomparable beauty of the Araucarias Pine forest.

This stage doesn´t demand huge technical skills but was characterized by a long and smooth climb up to the entrance of the Villarrica National Park, leading into the long and fast descent down into the Trancura Valley. This valley is where the Menetúe Thermals and the finish line of this stage are located.

The first to the finish line was chilean rider Javier Püschel with a time of 2 hours 54 minutes and 35 seconds. Coming in second and third, Portugese riders Joao Marinho and Tiago Silva. Joao Marinho remains the overall race leader.

For the open mixed class, team Kenda Seven, Mary McConneloug and Michael Broderick once again show their dominance winning their third stage in a row. Team Nativo Concept, Matthew Hadley and Benoit Simard from Canadá were the strongest in the Open Men’s Team category.

This Thursday the 24th will be the fourth stage. The course will reach a wonderful lake in the middle of the Andes Mountains close to Argentinian border. Riders will have to grind 83 kilometers, the longest stage of Transandes Challenge 2013.

Stage 4 Results HERE.
GC standings HERE.