- Matt Hadley (CAN) © Marcelo Tucuna
- Race Action © Marcelo Tucuna
- Danelley Knight (USA) © Marcelo Tucuna
- Race Action © Marcelo Tucuna
- Erik Simpson (USA) © Marcelo Tucuna
- Race Action © Marcelo Tucuna
- Simard Hadley (CAN) © Marcelo Tucuna
January 26, 2013 – After five grueling stages, the most demanding mountainbike competition of South America has reached the city of Pucon. With only one stage left there has been a change in the lead of the overall standings. This Saturday the 26th will be the sixth, and final stage.
At 9:30 am today, stage 5 of the Transandes Challenge 2013 began. Competitors left the Menetúe Thermals and began a technical but fun trail located on the banks of a beautiful lake. Then the most demanding section of today’s stage, a long and steep climb where participants had to walk pushing their bikes. From the highest point, participants could see and appreciate 5 different volcanoes of the Andes Mountains. From here, the path began to descend until reaching the shores of Caburgua Lake from where riders take a secondary route to the finish line located in the town of Pucon
From a competitive point, the Chilean Javier Püschel has achieved a new stage in victory overcoming the Portuguese rider Joao Marinho by just over seven minutes in the overall standings. Marinho moved into second place today. Third place was Canadian team Nativo, Matthew Hadley and Benoit Simard, who have secured first place of the Open Men’s Team category.
In mixed teams, Americans Mary McConneloug and Michael Broderick (Team Kenda – Seven – No Tubes) got their fifth win. They are the virtual winners of the competition. Three-time world champion Rebecca Rusch, with another victory, is virtually assured the victory in the women’s singles category.
On Saturday the 26th will be the final day of the Transandes Challenge 2013. The start and finish of the stage will be located in downtown Pucon. This location will allow the public to experience the development of the competition live. This stage will only be only 45 km long but is unique in that riders will climb up to the ski resort of the Villarrica volcano. Then, coasting down paths towards Pucon, riders will cross the finish line and we will finally know the names of the winners of each category.