SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st / DAY 3
71 km in 9 hours and 50 minutes.
Start : 6.15 am
Because of the altitude, some members of the team,first Ludo, then Fabrice and Favio, our Brazilian driver suffer from headaches. Serge is in top shape. The ten days spent in Cusco before the departure bear fruit. It’s a big day for him, he’s going to reach the col of Ticlio at an altitude of 4818m. He’s been looking forward to that since the departure.
The first ten kilometers are covered at a slow pace, uneven ground. Only one road and one railway track go into the heart of the Andes. The road is mainly used by trucks coming from the mines. The railway track, the highest in the world, is edged by vertiginous ravines and goes over the most “ancient” suspended bridge. No wonder the train is nicknamed The Death Train.
After24,2km Serge reaches the col, it’s 9.50am. All the team is here since an interview was planned at the top. Satellite and generator have to be set up.
Serge has drawn on his reserves but he is happy to have won this little challenge.It’s within the difficulty that you appreciate best.
Unexpectedly running down is difficult, Serge hasn’t had enough to eat and drink.
Altitude is fatal, Serge suffers from a headache and he feels on his last legs.The nightmare lasts for two hours. His heart beats too fast and yet his blood pressure is good. During these two hours he alternates walking and running with little breaks in between but above all he eats and hydrates himself a lot.After a nice sunshine in the morning, rain takes over; it’s only a few degrees above zero.
