LA RUTA BLANCA DE LOS PIRINEOS      LA RUTA BLANCA DELS PIRINEUS      THE WHITE ROUTE OF THE PYRENEES

Today the official presentation of the teams competing in the race took place in the Aragon capital city. Sixteen of them are Spaniards, seven Czechs, six Germans, two coming from Norway, other from United Kingdom, Switzerland, France and Poland. 57% of the entrants come from beyond the Pyrenees. A high standard is foreseen, as the third last champions will be present ( Iker Ozcoidi, Tom Andres and Josep Domingo).

The ten first classified from last year and the young musher Juan Carlos Quintana, who won the last edition of the Alpentrail in the Dolomites, will be also present.

 

Simultaneously to the presentation the Vet Team of Pirena headed by Dr. Jaime Martinez checked the 400 dogs in competition.

 

Every sled team can count on up to 14 dogs, whereas every skijorer has up to 3 dogs.

 

Lázaro Martínez, champion last year in purebreed class, stated:

"my allies for the victory are strategy and experience. My dogs are very strong and we have trained hard".

On the other hand, Juan C. Quintana, one of the favourites, has outlined:

"I've come to get fun. Although last year I won the Alpentrail, Pirena is much harder and my goal is finish among the five first ones".

Quintana ran his first Pirena when he was 15.

 

Tomorrow the stage will take place in La Partacua on a 26 Km long trail among the fantastic woods and lakes in the Tena Valley.

The stage starts at 10.30 a.m.