The starting signal of the first Temple to Temple race was given at noon at the foot of the historic temple of Lubaantun. Under a light rain, riders took off at an easy pace, having to open and close a few cattle barriers on the little road leading to the site. Once on the paved road, the pace increased and only ten riders managed to stay in the front group. The race then hit some nice gravel roads, crossing small villages surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Shortly after the feed zone, a group of 3 riders took the lead, and worked together to build an advance of about 20 minutes on the rest of the group. Former junior MTB world champion Walker Ferguson, local hero Roger Troyer and Canadian Gilles Morneau rode together until the finish line in Blue Creek. They had covered the 80 kilometers in less than 3 hours.

All riders were pleased by this short stage, on mostly flat roads. Everybody had time to set up camp near the river, surrounded by huge trees and thick jungle. Rice and beans and chicken were on the menu for the well deserved evening meal.

A short distance from the camping grounds, a trail led to the beautiful Blue creek falls and cave. Swimming inside the cave was complicated by the high level of the river, caused by all the rain of the previous days, but the most adventurous got through this unforgettable experience.

Today's Winners:

Roger Troyer (Belize)
Walker Ferguson (USA)
Gilles Morneau (Can)
all s.t.2:51:50

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