Enduro in Chile: Racing the National Montenbaik Enduro Series in Pichidangui by Montenbaik

Pichidangui -- or "PichiDANGER" as the locals named it -- has trails connecting the hills to the beach in on of the best spots for windsurfing near Santiago.

Five stages welcomed the riders on the beach of Pichidangui, Los Vilos commune, which for the third time hosts the National Championship Montenbaik Enduro Series, where this year was held the last race of the Montenbaik Enduro Kids. A day recognized by the imposing Santa Inés hill, which in addition of its unstable climate, provides the perfect scenario to develop our beloved MTB. Located just 200 kilometers from Santiago, Pichidangui is the entrance of the 4th Region, a place relatively close for many riders of central Chile. It is characterized by a northern dry and rocky style, that for the surprise and gratitude of all, the rains of the last few weeks watered the hill, obtaining an unbeatable grip. You could even find sections with mud and water, which added another special touch to the race.

All the details in this photo report of the race, and we shall meet again in September for the 6th stage of the Montenbaik Enduro Series 2017 and EWS Qualifier in Curicó!

Starting the day in the race village, a few meters from the beach of Pichidangui, in the Commune of Los Vilos. Once again we thank the support provided by the community, Firemen, Mayor, Carabineros, and Government.

The date began with the little ones and their families, who gave unconditional support to these new riders that day by day surprise us with their abilities and desire to ride a bike. This year, we have decided to have 3 races of the Montenbaik Enduro Kids, a beta version of what is to come. Along with the dads and of course, the riders, we were developing race to race the knowledge to offer a tailor made championship in 2018. There were about 120 youngsters present in Curacaví, La Serena and finally in Pichidangui. Many thanks to all for giving us the support with your participation, good vibes and joy!

Saturday was time for Enduro Kids, that in 2018 will become a championship for riders under 13.

Around 1.780 meters of elevation for Enduro 1 and 1.170 for Enduro 2, with 5 and 4 special stages respectively, up to 5 hours of racing for some riders. Pichidangui 2017, in its third edition, was again a race of long breath and technique. The two big winners, Felipe Vial with a time of 20:59:67 and a 20-second gap, comfortably dominates the race, leaving no doubts about his good moment in the sport. For her part, the women's winner Florencia Espiñeira was unbeatable, achieving a meritorious 23rd place overall with a time of 23:06:28. For both winners, congratulations.

The fastest of the day, Felipe Vial on his Yeti SB6 from the Masterbikes team.

The favorite, Florence Espinera, surprised with the 23rd overall position, faster than many men and is still undefeated in 2017.

The company of Felipe Vial in the overall were Milciades Jaque (21:19:9

, Pedro Ferreira (21:28:66), Mauricio Acuña (21:41:93) and Nicolas Prudencio (21:44:32). Meanwhile, Antonia Würth is in second place with a time of 26:17:95 and Catalina Fuentes, who gets on the podium for the first time this season, finishing the race with a time of 26:48:02. To see the full results visit www.montenbaik.com/tiempos/2017/5_Pichidangui_2017

Alejandro (#BlackMaori), from the rescue team of Code33, looks at the "Seat of the Governor" where starts the last stage of the race.

The race day starts with a long liaison to Cerro Santa Ines, with a good view of the beach and the rock of "La Silla" in the background.

The Andes Mountains decorate the stage "Nano", where Enduro 2 started the timed part of the race.

The girls of the Damas Light category, full concentrated moments before starting the race.

The boys of Concepcion never lose the smile, although they have to climb more than 1700m of liaisons of Pichidangui.

Pichidangui is one of the privileged locations in Chile where you can practice sports both on the beach and on the hill.

Felipe Pizarro, from the Decima Enduro Team, descending "Santa Ines" stage that for this race was extended to 3.8km.

Reviewing the tracks in the working tool KTM Freeride 350, the best support for the Montenbaik Enduro Series.

During the descent of Santa Ines it is easy to get off the track distracted by the view of the bay of Pichidangui.

Pedro Burns from Trek-Subaru Team was the fastest in the "Santa Ines" stage but had to abandon the race due to mechanical problems.

Chaguales, cactus and many spikes. The endemic vegetation of the hills of Pichidangui.

Pedro Ferreira from Extreme Zone finished 3rd overall and is still strong in the championship.

Milciades Jacque of Masterbikes was the fastest in 3 of the 5 stages and finished 2nd overall.

Felipe Vial from Masterbikes kept it very consistent in all stages and was the winner of the day.

The wind and the fog played an important role in the physical and psychological part of the race.

Hard but well-decorated liaisons.

Enduro 2 riders reach the top of "La Silla of the Governador" for the last stage of the race with the Cerro Santa Ines in the background.

The "La Silla" stage begins in the big rock with a section that allows different lines.

Rough riders in the Rigid category of Enduro 1 prove that the pilot is what counts. Number 182, Javier Gutierrez was the winner of the category.

Sebastian "Dos Luquita" Angel had problems with his dropper and rode the last stages without a seat. He still finished in 3rd place.

Diego Fava of Cerro Grande Team from La Serena was the winner of the Enduro 2 category.

Antonia Wurth from SXS Trailcrew remains strong in the championship finishing in 2nd place among the women.

The rains of the last few weeks, left the trails very rocky, full of difficulties.

Felipe Vasquez from Extreme Zone won all the stages and the first position in the Master B category.

Floral designs in tune with the green desert landscape of this days.

Nico Prudencio from Extreme Zone finished in the 5th position overall, getting important points for his team.

Mauricio Acuna from SXS Trailcrew was the 4th and is still in the fight for the championship

After a tough race, the day ends in the race village with a beer, as appropriate.

Kross Brewery does not miss any race, luckily for all riders and public (and the Montenbaik crew too).

The time of the award is very well hydrated, thanks again to Kross.

Among women, the winners were: 1. Florencia Espineira 23:06.28, 2 Antonia Wurth 26:17.95, 3 Catalina Sources 26:48.02.

The fastest of Pichidangui: 1. Felipe Vial 20:59.67, 2. Milciades Check 21:19.98, 3. Pedro Ferreira 21:28.66, 4. Mauricio Acuna 21:41.93, 5. Nico Prudencio 21:44.32.

The National Championship Montenbaik Enduro 2107 is coming to the end with only two more national races. See you next time in Curico on September 2nd and 3rd.

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Montenbaik

Member since Feb 7, 2014
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