Organizing Ultras: A Conversation with Across Andes

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Relieve Company; Clemente Diaz Pavone;
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Paulina and Mariano
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Relieve Company; Clemente Diaz Pavone;
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Paulina and Mariano
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Organizing Ultras: A Conversation with Across Andes

Each year, the rugged peaks between Chile and Argentina play host to one of ultra-cycling’s most spectacular events: Across Andes. Set against a backdrop of active volcanoes, ancient lakes, endless climbs, and local culture, the race welcomes riders for competition and community. Recently, we caught up with co-founders Paulina and Mariano to learn more about their event.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?   

 

We are Paulina and Mariano, the directors of Across Andes. We both started cycling at a young age, but for more than 15 years we have been involved at a more professional level, exploring new routes across Chile. Every week we publish new content through our media platform AVDOS CYCLING, better known as aventuradeados.com. Exploring Chile in such depth eventually led us to create events like Across Andes and Saga Gravel Race. Our lives revolve around sport, exploration and connection with nature, always trying to share this lifestyle with a community that continues to grow every year. 

 

How did the idea for Across Andes first come about? 

 

Across Andes was born from the desire to explore new places, connect unique landscapes and share them with friends and fellow cyclists. By 2017, we had already built strong knowledge of gravel routes in Chile, and through our experience guiding groups with AVDOS CYCLING in 2018, we began collecting the most impressive ones, which evolved into the routes that today form Across Andes. 

 

What was the first edition like? How has it evolved since then?  

The first edition took place in November 2019. It started in Santiago, Chile and headed north toward the Atacama Desert, becoming the longest and most brutal edition of the event with 1,450 kilometers and 23,000 meters of climbing. It was an extreme experience. At that time, gravel bikes were still largely unknown in Chile, and a nonstop event of this distance was something completely new.

Since then, Across Andes has evolved to become more inclusive, with shorter distances and slightly less elevation, so it is not only for superhuman athletes. We also began changing locations so more people could discover different regions of Chile by bike. This has attracted more riders, especially women, creating a more complete experience that keeps the competitive spirit while balancing adventure, exploration, and community.

What makes the Andes an ideal place for an ultra race? 

 

Chile has the longest and one of the highest sections of the Andes. This makes it an extraordinary place for ultra racing thanks to its diversity of landscapes. You can move from the driest desert on Earth to the cold wilderness of Patagonia. In the upcoming Volcano Edition, riders can cross forests, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, mountains, rural villages and remote gravel roads within a relatively short distance. In the Araucanía region, where the 2025 and 2026 editions take place, it is even possible to see up to eight volcanoes at the same time—something extraordinary on a global scale. Another important aspect is the connection with local communities. Riders interact with indigenous communities and local residents who often welcome cyclists with remarkable hospitality, offering water, food or even a place to rest.  

 

How do you plan and test new routes for each race?

 

We aim to create routes that are 90-100% rideable. We try to avoid technical singletrack or long hiking sections, always thinking about accessibility in case evacuation is needed due to accidents or natural events. Chile is a seismic and volcanic country, so these factors need to be considered. Our routes combine spectacular landscapes with passages through national parks and iconic tourist locations such as lakes, snow-covered peaks, or major viewpoints. One of our traditions is to bring riders as close as possible to the border with Argentina, which usually means climbing to the highest parts of the Andes. Another priority is maximizing gravel sections, although each year these roads become less common. Control points are another key aspect. We are one of the few events that still maintains physical checkpoints, involving local communities who welcome riders and check them in as they pass through. We want every cyclist to feel they are discovering the country through the people who live there.

How do you feel during each event? After it’s over? 

 

During Across Andes, we sleep very little. We supervise logistics and the media coverage in real time so the audience can follow every development. The most intense moments are the first and second days because the leaders move at an incredible pace. We prepare the finish line almost at the same time as the start because riders arrive much faster than expected. When the last rider finally crosses the finish line, the emotion is hard to describe. Riders share their stories from the route, those who arrived earlier wait to welcome the others, and friendships form that last a lifetime. The hugs, the smiles, and the shared celebration are what Across Andes is really about.

 

What are some memorable moments from the past few editions?

 

One was seeing the incredible level of commitment from women riders in the 2025 edition, with 99% of female participants reaching the finish line and demonstrating an impressive level of endurance. Another was during the 2023 and 2024 editions in Patagonia, when we faced three consecutive days of rain. Adapting to those extreme conditions was an enormous challenge both for riders and the organization. A third moment has been following the journey of Andrés Tagle. He has participated in Across Andes since 2019 and has won almost every edition both in pairs and solo, even setting the fastest time again in 2025.  

 

One of your stated goals is to have a positive impact on the local community. What measures have you taken to achieve this? 

 

We work closely with the local community and include them in many aspects of the event. Local artisans create the trophies, local food producers supply the meals, local bike shops are involved in technical support, and local transport services and volunteers form part of the team. We also organize activities connected to the event, such as the launch of a locally roasted coffee. The official beer is produced locally as well, and we release special editions themed around the race so participants can take home a customized souvenir.

We organize social rides starting and finishing in restaurants or cafés run by people from the Pucón gastronomy scene, inviting children and local residents to join. Together with artisans from Pucón, we host wood carving workshops where participants can learn one of the traditional crafts of the region. We also collaborate with local municipalities to promote tourism services in Pucón and in the towns along the route.   

 

You’ve also been working hard to attract more women participants. What has helped grow those numbers? 

 

In the first edition, only one woman took part, but the number has increased significantly since then. Several factors have contributed to this. We maintain close communication with interested riders throughout the year, helping them plan and organize travel logistics. We also actively promote the creation of a community among women cyclists, with opportunities for riders to meet, share experiences, and support each other on the journey toward the start line. In addition, we have introduced initiatives specifically designed to encourage participation, including preferential entry fees for women and collaborations with adventure cycling figures. 

 

What should riders expect for the 2026 edition?

 

Across Andes has become a special event mainly because of its community. Over the years, a very unique mix has formed between professional and amateur cyclists who share the same route, challenge, and spaces. This coexistence—where everyone can connect, exchange experiences, and support each other throughout the adventure—is a fundamental part of the event’s spirit. Across Andes 2026 promises dramatic landscapes, new route sections, lasting friendships and an experience riders will remember for the rest of their lives, ending with a final celebration shared with the entire community.

Across Andes 2026 kicks off November 22nd. Visit acrossandes.cc for more details.