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Colombian Paez Wins First Stage of La Ruta

04.11.2006

November 3rd, Playa Jacó, Costa Rica Colombian Leonardo Paez (Full Dynamix) won the first stage of the 14th edition of La Ruta de los Conquistadores. Paez crossed the finish line 15 minutes ahead from the second place, Jeremiah Bishop (Volkswagen-Trek). Today’s route departed from the Pacific Coast into Carara National Park, towards the heart of Costa Rica. After arriving, Paez explained he had some problems climbing and decided to walk several parts of the race, instead of fighting it. This is the first time Paez has entered La Ruta.

“I thought it would be tough, but not this tough. I just tried to keep a steady pace�, he said.

Bishop’s obstacles were mainly mechanical problems: “ …my cassette broke to pieces… I was actually surprised with my result. I just kept on going, no pressure, but the climb in Grifoalto was incredible�.

Andrey Amador, a 20-year old Costa Rican rider, took the third place, declaring he is excited and hoping to learn lots from Paez and other competitors. “The level of these elite riders was clearly reflected in their performance, so let’s see tomorrow. Today I had several problems with my bike, a couple of flats and in the middle of the muddiest road, the chain broke, so I had to walk for a while�.

Federico “Lico� Ramírez who finished at 4th place, is hoping tomorrows stage will give him an advantage to him, as he is used to the kind of weather that is promised on the second day.

Of the 510 people who signed up for this year’s La Ruta, the organization estimated 483 were on the start line. The race started with only a few minutes delay, heading towards the mountains around 5:20 a.m. with a relatively clear blue sky and no rain.

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