The start is fast approaching. Everyone competing will be making their final preparations and trying to get some sleep before they shuttle their way to Fuencaliente for a 6AM start tomorrow morning. Temperatures will be fairly cold to start off with (there is a bit of wind cutting across this side of the island) but the runners will soon warm up with a sustained climb for the first 17km to Las Deseadas. The sight of all of those headtorches streaming up the mountain side will be just awesome.
With 4,415 metres of vertical ascent and 4,110 metres of descent its going to tough on the quads and overall a tough journey. As soon as that sun hits it will be scorching and the runners will be desperately taking on board hydration at the 10 checkpoints dotted along the course.
The final descent of around 21km into Puerto de Tazacorte is not only brutal as it slips down the ridge of the VK route but there is a final kick in the tail as there is a climb to reach the finish at Los Llanos. Its going to be the one who holds on to have enough strength for the final descent and climb that will be rocking into Los Llanos as winner of Transvulcania 2014. Who will it be!
Roque de Los Muchachos
All images are copyright – Ian Campbell – photography
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