El Reto Del Quetzal - MTB Endurance Race Guatemalan Style

December 28th, 2011 2:29pm

If you are an endurance mountain bike racer looking for adventure, you probably have a 'bucket list" of races you want to complete. Having just returned from one of the more famous ones in Costa Rica, I heard this term used often. If you are one of those list makers or even just considering experiencing one of these epic events, let me introduce you to El Reto Del Quetzal.   An endurance mountain bike race hosted in the beautiful country of Guatemala.

A relatively new comer to the endurance mtb race scene, El Reto Del Quetzal started in 2007 making the 2012 edition its fifth year. Speaking with the promoters, their experiene has allowed them to have worked out the logistics and put together a solid and well run race. While the climbing and length of the race don't appear to be as brutal as La Ruta, the race is a challenge and actually has some single track. With stage four still to be mapped out, the race will include some single track along with gravel roads, forest road and pavement on each of the four stages. Like most Central American countries, you will be climbing and descending on a volcano, which in addition to being tough, offers great views.

The race has a solo and team format which I think is great on these long journeys. And for the efforts of the riders there is a solid prize list too. We are talking about CASH! (We know you are racing for the experience, but the cash won't hurt!)

Here is the prize List as of 12/2011

• To the Team that wins the general classification there will be a USD$2500 cash prize and a trophy for each rider plus the right to participate free in the 2013 edition.
• To the winners of the remaining categories, (Master A, Master B & Mix), there will be a free entrance for the 2013 entry and trophy plus great prizes from our sponsors. *
• To the second place of each category, there will be a USD$300.00 cash prize a trophy plus great prizes from our sponsors.
• To the third place of each category, there will be a USD$150.00, a trophy plus great prizes from our sponsors.
• We will be rewarding to the winners of each stage of every category with prizes from our sponsors. And there will be medals and diplomas to the teams that finish in the official ranking of the fifth edition of El Reto del Quetzal.
• Solo Category, First Place USD$500, a trophy plus great stuff from our sponsors.
• Second Place USD $250, a trophy plus great stuff from our sponsors.
• Third Place USD $100, a trophy plus great stuff from our sponsors.

El Reto Del Quetzal has a rider limit of 150 participants. The promoters want to ensure that every rider has the best experience possible and this number is what they feel allows them to do this. The event is March 8-11, 2012 so you have time to register and make your travel plans, but don't wait too long becuase, it is a limited rider field.  The season for the race should be perfect and their website has all the information on each mountain bike stage, entry fees etc.

Be sure to visit the race web site as it is has all the information you will need to research the event.

So if you are looking to quench that spirit of adventure and want one that few people can claim to have done, add El Reto Del Quetzal to your bucket list.

NEW RIDING VIDEO of El Reto Del Quetzal via Helmet Camera

Here are three new posted videos of the course. Watch closely as there are some nice exposure drop offs on the left of the trail and some technical parts to keep you on your toes.

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