La Ruta de los Conquistadores

La Ruta Turns 20

Lead Adventure Media / 01.11.2012

Over 500 racers have signed up for the 20th anniversary of La Ruta de los Conquistadores, the world's toughest and oldest multi-staged XC MTB race.

Thousands of  racers have taken on La Ruta over the past years, many have conquered the crossing of Costa Rica from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean blue waters, yet many have unfinished business. Like Roman Urbina, founder of La Ruta says, "More than a race...  a personal growth journey."

Some of the world's top XC MTB racers will fly to Costa Rica October 31st for three days of pure adrenaline.

Stage 1 (Nov. 1st) starts in the Pacific Coast (Jacó) and climbs through some of the most gruelling mud pits ever seen in the tropics. Racers border the Carara National Park, a true tropical jungle.  Once done with Carara riders will continue climbing into the Central Valley, where the finish line for Stage 1 is at. Distance: 110Km - Elevation Gain 3400mts.

Stage 2 (Nov. 2nd) starts in San Jose, climbs to the Irazú Volcano then traverses to the Turrialba Volcano  where riders will descend from 3100mts to 600mts to the end of the stage in the town of Turrialba, Costa Rica's whitewater rafting and kayaking Mecca. Distance: 80km - Elevation Gain 2500mts.

Rafting. This year La Ruta has added more adventure to the mix. Riders will be rafting the Río Pacuare, ranked Top 5 in the world for whitewater kayaking and rafting.

Once the rafting section is over, Stage 3 begins.  This is a 70km stretch of mostly railroad tracks and river crossings which will lead riders to the Caribbean Coast where the finish line is.

Top Men: Todd Wells - Federico "Lico" Ramírez - Milton Ramos - Roberto Heras - Alex Grant - Damian Perrin - Paolo Montoya - Rom Akerson - Moises Fernandez.

Top Girls: Pua Mata - Lena Yarborough - Sonya Looney

For all the race information see www.larutadelosconquistadores.com