 By Cory WallaceLast night there was a storm warning for Sunday so the riders had a meeting and decided they would rather do the full 160 km today rather then do two 80 km days and risk the weather which was coming. Riding out into the fog at 8am a paceline of 5 riders (Lupillo, Simon, Art, Ramon and myself) formed at the front for the first 50 km before the feedzone split the pack as Art continued on thanks to his camelback and Ramon dropped off.
Leaving the feedzone the pace was slow and pretty soon we found out Art had taken a 7 minute lead. I was getting nervous so I picked up the pace and soon a sick Simon was off the back which left Lupillo and myself. Lupillo was suffering and wasnt willing to help chase down Art so I set the pace for the next 2 hrs, finally catching Art about 20 km from the finish. 10 km from the finish I attacked, dropping Art but I couldnt loose my shadow Lupillo. For the last 9 km Lupillo and I would ride togethar along the stunning ocean side boulevard in Vera Cruz with Art just 10 seconds back and chasing hard but we made sure to ride a little bit harder as we didnt want to test his legs out in the sprint.
Coming around a corner 400 m from the finish the sprint was on. Lupillo got a slight edge, I reeled him back in and came around his right side just before the finish line as we crossed together before slamming on the breaks and skidding into the fence behind the finish line dangerously out of control. Were still not sure who took the win as the organizers are looking at the photos of the finish. If I had to guess I would have to say Lupillo may of taken it by the thickness of a tortilla. For the next 3 hrs we would relax with drinks on hand as the rest of the riders rolled across the finish line of what may be the toughest mtn bike course in the world.
The highlight of the day was early on when a cranky dog began lunging at the lead cyclists. Lupillo right behind them, unclipped a pedal and booted the canine across the face sending the poor sucker cowarding into the ditch. Finally one for the bikers. The dogs in the event definitely had a effect on the overall outcome as they forced many riders to blow up trying to get away from them. I had my closest call at the finish line yesterday when two dogs took after me as I headed for the shower. Tossing sticks and kicking rocks I managed to get back to the other racers who sent the duo running for the lives in the other direction.
Other action from yesterday included Simon who had pulled out after the first 20 km and road along in a truck helping a couple of the staff members feed the other cyclists. They came to a small town to set up a feed station for a couple hrs and the two staff memebers decided they needed some excitement so one of them told a bunch of school children that Simon was a tv star in Canada. Simon still sick as a dog and not able to speak more then 3 words of spanish was soon horded by the children and was stuck signing autographs and in the middle of a photo shoot. Pretty soon the high school kids got out of school and joined in the mob with a couple of the younger 14 yr old girls asking if Simon could be their godfather at their 15th birthday parties ( a large celebration in Mexico when a girl becomes a woman). If Simon doesnŽt make it back to Canada weŽll know where to find him.
Tonight is the awards banquet in which over $ 20 000 in prizes will be given away and the racers will get a chance to relax for the first time in over a week. In the end it was Lupillo winning the overall gc by 1:01 hrs over myself with Jamie Valdez in third over 4 hrs back. Art Mcfarland took the Master division by over 2 hrs while Yoland Saro being the only woman, took the Womans division although her time was very respectable and she will be tough to beat next yr. Official results should be available soon at www.original-extreme.com
With the 2nd TransMexicana come and gone I am excited to see where this race goes in the future as the potential is there for a great annual event as its not just a race but a trip inside the Mexican Culture. I suspect the race may attract alot more Canadian and Americans in the future as the timing of the event is perfect for some good early season training.
Official Results and pictures will be posted as they come avaiable. | 
