Steph Teeter, a leading writer on International Endurance, is at the 2009 Pan American Open Championship
The day is over now, horses are vetted in, riders, crews, officials - all of the people who make these events - are pretty much ready for tomorrow.
All in all spirits are high. The weather is absolutely perfect - warm but not too hot, some sunshine, and a nice breeze to go with it. The smell of the beach and sandy forest trees - eucalyptus, pines - a little touch of fall in the air.
The riders will take their horses along the beach for almost a quarter of the total mileage of the event, along the firm sand at the water's edge. Trails also go through forests and along dirt roads, and some grassy road way. The footing is excellent, and there are modulating elevation changes, nothing extreme. It will probably be a fast course. The daytime temperatures will determine the speed ultimately along with the skill and strategy of the riders. This championship is being run over 120km. The starting time is 7AM, the total hold time is 2:20, so the first finishers could easily finish in the early afternoon.
The venue here is lovely. Nothing overly ostentatious, a nice 'local' feel to the area. Horses are stabled in wooden barns, pastured in temporary paddocks. Grooms and riders have easy access to trails and facilities. It's pleasant and definitely Uruguay. Smoke from the asados (south american style barbeques) wafts on the evening air - gauchos mingling with foreign riders, cups of matte, bottles of sports drinks, glasses of cervesa - a general feel of hospitality and relaxation.
In the Pan American Championship there are riders from Argentina (6), Brazil (6), Columbia (1), Chile, (3), Guatemala (6), USA (4) and Uruguay (12). Teams will be comprised of 4 riders, the rest will ride as individuals. Also riding in the Senior Open Division are riders from Belgium, Great Britain and Malaysia.
In the Young Rider division of the Pan American Championship are riders from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and Urugay. There is one rider in the Open Young Rider Championship from Spain.
More news and pictures to follow!