Race Report: Bernard Marchal reports from 'La Transtica 2011' – Costa Rica, November 24 - December 1, 2011
November 24: Opening ceremony, press conference at the “Residence de France”
The French Ambassador, Mr. Fabrice Delloye, receives us at the “Résidence de France”, for a lunch buffet and a press conference, showing once again his support for La Transtica.
After an interview on Channel 44, it is time to process to the sort out of the race numbers. It is an opportunity for the representatives of each of the 7 nations entered in the race (Belgium, United States, Guatemala, Japan, France, Mexico and Costa Rica) to introduce themselves.
The organisig team, composed of about fifteen members from France and Costa Rica, including an emergency doctor, a physiotherapist and 7 French firemen, will be reinforced by 5 members of the “Cruz Roja “ (Costa Rica Red Cross) and their vehicles (1 pick up, 1 ambulance 4x4 and a truck).
La Transtica, supports many local projects. In total more than 12,000 euros that will be invested locally to benefit the most disadvantaged.
November 25: Prologue, Beach of Manuel Antonio
At 8am we are ready to leave. 2 hours until Tarcoles, a stop to watch crocodiles, then again 2 hours that bring us to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast.
Change of ambiance, sea and heavy heat and a meal in the Gato Negro. The weather is hot - very hot - and just after the hotel check in, some will refresh in the swimming pool, while waiting for the departure of the prologue which had been delayed to 16:30 because of the tide.
16h32, it is start of the prologue, for 3 loops of 2 kms on the beach of Manual Antonio. At the end of the afternoon, the sun plays with the clouds before setting, but it is still hot.
Roiny Villegas, winner of the 2009 race, sets the tone by taking the lead, some strides behind him are Juan Carlos Sagastume and Pierre Aubery and the battle commences. At the end of the first loop, the positions are unchanged, whereas behind, the first effects of the heat are felt.
On the finish line only a few seconds separate the 3 leaders. Roiny Villegas, Team Embassy of France (Costa Rica) will win this prologue in 23'14, ahead of Juan Carlos Sagastume, Team North Face / GNC (Guatemala) in 23'45 and Pierre Aubery, Team Action 18 / Altec Sport in 24'14.
In the adventure race, the prologue is won by Armando Perez (Mexico), in 30'25 ahead of Shinishi Tada (Japan) in 31'32 and Véronique Gruson Coustenoble (France) in 32'02.
The competitors were then able to swim in the hot waters of the Pacific, before benefitting from a last night of comfort in the hotel.
During the evening meal, a donation of an ECG monitor (from the Hospital of Cannes) was made to the dispensary of Londres, in continuation of efforts by the event in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
November 26: Stage 1: Paquita - La Selvita – Napoles
The first stage is a 40km to run, starting along the pacific coast, through the heart of a green palm grove, before entering in the tropical jungle. 15km of flat track with bridge crossings and some rivers to ford leading runners to a progressive climb that will bring them fully into the jungle. The main difficulty of this stage is the heat and the humidity that reign on this part of Costa Rica.
From the start, Pierre Aubery escapes with Juan Carlos Sagastume on a flat track in a palm grove, Roiny Villegas stays in contact 200m behind, until the first check point where he joins them.
At CP2 (20km) a basic shelter, open on 4 sides to the surrounding jungle, serves as a supply point but also as a the starting line for the adventures runners. A great introduction for the adventure runners who start with a challenging 20km stage with an ascent of 1300m.
The apprehension is shown on their faces; the group is quieter than the day before on the start line of the prolog. The track simply goeas up until the stage finish.
On the Extreme, Juan Carlos and Roiny get ahead at the beginning of the ascent. Pierre remains in touch just a few meters behind. Then Juan Carlos slows down in one of the steep parts, whereas Roiny accelerates. 12km before the finish Pierre Aubery (Action 18/Altecsport) accellerates his effort and increases the gap on Roiny Villegas (Embassy of France) and Juan Carlos Sagastume (North Face / GNC).
He won't be caught up again and Pierre will win this first stage in 3h58'53" before Roiny in 4h01'12" and Juan Carlos in 4h18'58", the last runner finishing in 6h45.'
In the adventure race, the surprise comes from the women as they will grab the first three places: Muriel Boust, Véronique Sternat both finishing first in 3h10'30" before Véronique Gruson-Coustenoble in 3h14'12", the last runner finishes in 4h12.'
In Napoles the bus is waiting for the runners, for a short transfer to the camp of Santa Maria de Dota, where the runners will take advantage of a well deserved rest.
In the Rancho Guayabal, our night camp, a fire and a good soup are await to warm us.
"The first day of la Transtica run across Costa Rica was beyond expectation. The scenery and route were incredible, winding through the lowlands and up into breathtaking mountains. On top of that, the constant rain meant I was never too hot! The best part about running through the villages and untouched countryside has been experiencing “Pura Vida” with ever step”. Victoria Collins, USA (Extreme)
November 27: Stage 2: Santa Maria de Dota - Ojo of Agua
The Extremes race starts at 8am from the village of Santa Maria de Dota. This stage is considered to be the most difficult, considering its impressive ascent of 2720m and descent of 1310m, all under a bright sun. As a starter, a first 15% upward slope …
From the beginning Pierre Aubery and Juan Carlos Sagastume lead Roiny Villegas by a few hundred meters. Behind them, the efforts of the day before are felt and the gap widens quickly.
After 15km of climb they reach CP2, also the starting line for the adventures runners who face 21,1km with 1180m of ascent and 1020m of descent).
Pierre and Juan Carlos start the 10km of descent with a small lead, whereas Roiny seems to pace his effort. The two runners reach the village of Providencia (CP3) two minutes before Roiny.
It is in the last climb (12km and 1140m of ascent) that will lead the runners to 2990 meters of altitude, that Roiny will attack.
7km from the finish he overtakes his two rivals to win this stage with an advantage of 4 minutes, in 4h46'37".
On the overall ranking, Pierre Aubery (Action 18/Altecsport) loses 3'11" and the first place to Roiny Villegas (Embassy of France), while Juan Carlos Sagastume (North Face / GNC) reinforces his 3rd place
Tomorrow's stage promises to be hot!
In the Adventure race, our three women reinforce their leadership, Muriel Boust and Véronique Sternat both finishing in 2h58'04" before Véronique Gruson-Coustenoble in 3h04'40", Shinishi Tada (Japan) in 3h16'01" and Armando Perez (Mexico) in 3h21'57", the last runner in 4h52.'
Rain and the cold weather are part of the adventure but the competitors arequickly taken care of after their arrival, all happy to have reached the end of this difficult stage, for a 20 minutes transfer to the village of La Esperanza, our bivouac for the evening.
A donation of 43 school kits to the school of Purisil is made, with the dinner prepared by the local community where the runners appreciate a salmon trout and a well deserved rest in the classrooms of the school.
November 28: Stage 3: The Esperanza - Kiri Lodge - El Humo
This time the adventures and the extremes will start together. The 20 Adventure runners head into the Tapanti national park for 24.1km,(+585m /-1830m), and the Extreme runners set off on their 42.1km,(+985m /- 2830m) route.
The sun finally appeares after a rainy and windy night.
On the paper the profile seems easier, but this doesn't reflect the main difficulties of this stage. Runners have to take care on a single track, filled with traps: mud, roots, spiny vegetation, steep slopes.
The day starts with a breathtaking slope of 3 km, to reach 2850m of altitude, before attacking a first downward portion, to reach at 6km, the start of the famous single track. Deep heart of the" Tapanti ", the slopes are very steep, it is very slippery. There is plenty of mud and lots of roots and it is necessary to be careful before clinging to the branches because some are full of thorns...
Following is a river crossing, secured by a rope, before beginning a small ascent through this jungle... it is really hard... A new descent, through the coffee plantations to CP3, the finish line for the Adventure runners.
The runners of the Extreme will have to go over two more passes and 18km to reach El Humo via a smashed track in the middle of a humid tropical forest.
After his losses during the previous stage, Pierre Aubery is determined to do his best to reduce his 3 minute gap on Roiny Villegas.
At CP1 (9km), the end end of the descent of the Tapanti, Pierre and Juan Carlos are 3 minutes ahead of Roiny, at CP2 (19km), Pierre leaves behind Juan Carlos (6 minutes) and increases his lead over Roiny to 9 minutes.
Pierre passes the finish line in 3h51'40" with 14'40 advance on Roiny (4h06'10") who passed Juan Carlos (4h24'40") in a last effort.
On the general ranking, Pierre Aubery (Action 18/Altec Sport) retrieves the first place, leading Roiny Villegas (Embassy of France) by more than 11 minutes, while Juan Carlos Sagastume (North Face / GNC) assures his third place.
In the Adventure race, our three women seem untouchable, leading the other runners by more than 20 minutes but for the 4th placeis still to be decided.
Some will visit the "Trapiche" while waiting for the dinner, prelude to a donation of material intended to renovate the sport field of the community, before being invited to appreciate and take part in local dances.
We will go to bed relatively early because tomorrow it is the night stage, the alarm clocks are set to 2.30am for a departure at 3.45 am.
November 29: Stage 4: El Humo - San Pablo
At 2.30am the alarm clocks rings. It is necessary to hurry, because the start is at 3.45am, breakfast, care, packing.
The adventure and extreme runners leave together for a neutralized section, the real starting line is at the exit of the village of Pejibaje.
The faces are tired, the night was short, the morning is black and the noises of the jungle sound scary.
The course of the day, seem the most balanced of all the stages. The pace is good before starting a first ascent, then a muddy descent, followed by a little portion of road to join the CP1.
It begins to rain as the runners penetrate to the heart of the sugar cane fincas; it is the beginning of the climb toward the summit of the Cerro Atirro.
The high point of the day on the lake of La Suiza is shrouded in an intense fog, which will not lift.
From Pueblo Nuevo, runners cross a suspended bridge, before starting a long ascent toward the village of El Silencio. The next murderous 4km takes them to CP3 (23,7km) and finish line for the adventures.
The Extremes will have to add a pass and the 19,1km that separate them of San Pablo.
At CP1 (9km) Cerro Atirro, Pierre Aubery, Juan Carlos Sagastume and Roiny arrive together, followed some minutes latter by most of the rest of the runners, and will stay together to CP2 (16 km).
Pierre takes the initiative on the first slope and arrives at CP3 (23km) 3 minutes before Roiny and 6 minutes before Juan Carlos Sagastume. Pierre looks easy, whereas behind him Roiny seems in difficulty.
A last effort during the ascent to the last pass before attacking the descent toward San Pablo and to CP4 (31km), confirms our suspicions as Pierre leads Roiny by more then 12 minutes.
Pierre Aubery (Action 18/Altec Sport) holds on to his lead and his pursuers will never be able to come back. He will finishes in 3h55'12'' before Roiny Villegas (Embassy of France) in 4h17'15" and Juan Carlos Sagastume (North Face / GNC) in 4h27'10".
With more than 33 minutes of advance in the overall ranking, Pierre Aubery seems to be in a good position to win the Extreme race.
Didier Rossi, wounded to the knee, but continues to finish last of the stage in 6h29'30" under the applause of the other competitors, again a big moment of emotion.
Faithful to themselves, our three women finishes in lead, and Armando Perez reduce the gap on Jacky Malassagne in 4th to just three minutes.
The rest of the day in San Pablo will be dedicated to rest to be able to appreciate tomorrow's descent of the Rio Pacuare in rafts.
November 30: Rafting
Rafting on the River Pacuare (class III and IV!) guarantees thrilland adrenaline! We embark on rafts of 6 and a coxswain guide, who explains the security instructions as well as the 4 basics movements: Forward, backward, hold the ropes, and protect ourselves in the boat… He also explains how to take someone out of water and the attitude to have if one falls into the water.
Here we go. The surrounding is simply unique, the tropical vegetation and the power of water that transports us into a world of pure magic.
The landscape is paradise: impressive waterfalls, lush vegetation and strong emotions for those whose raft will roll over.
December 1: Stage 5 Playa Negroes - Manzanillo
8.31am sees the start of the last stage of La Transtica 2011 on the beach Playa Negro, 5km before the village of Puerto Viejo.
Rain is back again, which will make this stage less difficult as the runners don't have to suffer from the intense heat that we have experienced in past year.
This last stage is composed of a first wild beach section of black sand, followed by the crossing of Puerto Viejo along the sea side, a shaded path before joining the second section of rosy white sand beach, as wild as the first section, surrounded by an exuberant jungle which gives the impression to dive in the Caribbean. Then follows a 2km road section which allows us to bypass the rocky coastline.
At CP2 it is back on the last beach portion of the route with the crossing of an estuary to arrive at CP3. During a final loop in the astonishingly beautyful reserve of Gandoca, runners will have to brave a muddy and slippery single track. The finish line is in Manzanillo, the last village before Panama.
Pierre Aubery (Action 18/Altecsport) wins this last stage in 2h28'48, in front of Juan Carlos Sagastume in 2h30'02', and confirms his 1st place in the overall ranking, covering the 196 km in 19h29'52", a new record for the Extreme course.
For the 4th consecutive year, Roiny Villegas Costa Rica, (Embassy of France) finishes on the podium, 2nd in the overall rankings of the Extreme in 20:47' 09". Juan Carlos Sagastume, Guatemala, (North Face/GNC), is third overall in 20:55' 03''.
Victoria Collins shows a lot of mental power to finish despite of a strong foot pain handicapping her since day 3, in 32h06' forcing the respect and the admiration of all.
On the Adventure race, Muriel Boust and Véronique Sternat finish joint 1st in the overall rankings, covering the 120 km in 15h17'48", ahead of Véronique Gruson Coustenoble in 15h40'13" and Jacky Malassagne in 17h28'49".
Conclusion:
The 21 runners who took part in the Transtica 2011 have experienced a varied course which brought them from the Pacific Coasts to the Caribbean Coasts in five stages.
- They have had to deal with changing weather conditions: the heavy and humid heat of the plains, refreshing tropical rains and the wind and icy rain of the altitude forest
- They have been involved in the charity aspect of La Transtica through the various donations in the local villages, lots of emotional moments were shared.
- They were welcomed, accommodated and celebrated by the local communities on the route, discovering the way of life of various communities living in Costa Rica.
- The organising team for 2011 had been reinforced by 5 members of the Red Cross Red and appeared to be particularly efficient, making it possible for all the runners to fully enjoy this adventure in safety
The event's objective "The discovery of a country and its way of life through a sporting event with humanitarian goals” was achieved!
There were 44, runners and organising team members, who had the privilege to share an edition of La Transtica which was huge and intimate.
'Pura Vida!'
Bernard Marchal
"It was my first multi day race and I did have a lot of luck that it was La Transtica 2011, Extreme course. This race is a pure diamond, 'Pura Vida'. The fantastic landscapes, the organization at the image of its boss: human, pro, only happiness. In summary, to know La Transtica, Bernard and his team was a privilege for me. I will come back in anyway for 2012!!! " Franck Ducerf, France, Extreme.
La TRANSTICA 2011 in figures
- 4th edition
- 2 race options: Extreme & Adventure
- 12 day trip
- 5 race stages
- 1 descent on rafts, on the Rio Pacuare, level 3 to 4 +
- Extreme race: 30 to 40 km per day, 196 km with 6,855m of ascent
11 finishers: 19h30 for the 1st, 32h06 for the last
- Adventure race: 20 to 30 km per day, 116 km with 3,950m of ascent
9 finishers 15h 17 for the 1st, 21h41 for the last
- 21 participants, 1 DNF
- 7 countries represented (Belgium, France, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, Costa Rica and USA)
- 1 emergency doctor
- 1 physiotherapist
- More than €12,000 worth of school supplies, furniture and material of renovation distributed to the communities of Costa Rica and Panama.
La Transtica 2012 will take place from November 21st, 2012 to December 1st, 2012 and will be limited to 50 participants.
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