Race Report: Ecuador Riders Cup 2 - Quito
Quito is a city nestled in between mountains and volcanoes, even crawling up the slopes of the Pichincha volcano and its many summits. This mountain is a perfect playground for mountain biking and the second stop of the Ecuador Rider’s Cup, an independent downhill series that takes the best Ecuadorian downhill racers around the country’s best tracks. For this round, the race track consists of two trails, Teleferico DH and Ratonera, that have been reworked after the rain season.
The Teleferico DH is a classic track that drops almost 800 meters from Cruz Loma, one of Pichincha's summits, to the city. A gondola lift, one of the highest in the world, take you from 3,100 to almost 4,000 meters above sea level. Then, gravity propels you along 4.5 km of technical singletrack sections. The first one, across the high altitude paramo, is fast and has some big jumps. When the track reaches a ridge, it becomes really steep and full of switchbacks until it enters a forest. This is the most technical part of the track, with big holes, slimy roots and more switchbacks. Following the forest, some fresh cut off cambers lead to the 4X where big jumps and banked turns have to be cleared before a final toboggan trail known as Ratonera.
The start is overseen by the Rucu (Old) Pichincha.
After an initial traverse, the track winds down to the big city and it becomes really steep.
The summer is in full force in the Ecuadorian Andes.
Fresh off cambers welcome the riders after they exit the trees.
Saturday's training extended until sunset.
Dani Romero launching from the big step down on the 4X section.
Waiting to take another lap.
After two days of practice, the racers tackled on the course for qualifying Sunday morning. The last man down the hill would be Alejandro Cedeño, who was the only one to reach the bottom just under the seven minutes mark.
Dropping into the first section.
The track was dry and running fast.
The winner, Jose Vargas, putting some style to the big doubles on the paramo.
Great views of Quito from the track.
Sometimes you have to drop the anchors.
The "S" may be tricky when going fast.
Big roots stick out of the ground in the forest.
In these turns you have to aim high or you will end up in the big holes.
More rutted turns to end the section.
It is dark and tight in there.
The view up the mountain...
...and the view down to the city.
Second place for Sebastian Reascos.
Juan Gabriel Andrade squashing the jump to reach the third place.
First place qualifier, Alejandro Cedeño, was on a great run until he crashed at the end of the 4X.
RESULTS
1. Jose Vargas
2. Sebastian Reascos
3. Juan Gabriel Andrade
4. Daniel Romero
5. Brayan Ruiz
Many thanks to series organizer, Alejo Ortiz, and everyone involved, especially TeleferiQo de Quito. More info and full results in Riders Cup Ecuador.
Flying over the city.
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1 Comment
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spiderlpus
(Aug 14, 2018 at 18:51)
One of the best downhill tracks in Ecuador was reopened this weekend!! An amazing race, the most craziest riders.. Alejo Ortiz thank you !! Good job!! You showed all your experience like a rider and organizer designing an incredible track
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