La Ruta de los Conquistadores
RamÃrez is the King of the Conquistadores
Luis A Rueda Fonseca / 17.11.2008
“Lico� was answering a question from a media representative, at the press conference held only a few seconds after crossing the finish of the last stage, between Aquiares and Playa Bonita. He was second today, since his archrival Paolo Montoya (Economy Rent a Car-Seven Capital) won the final sprint. However, Ramirez achieved the first place overall; his fifth La Ruta trophy in six appearances. Nobody has won that much in this race … he’s the King Conquistador.
The overall time of the winner was 17:52:32, some 30 minutes faster than last year’s. “Weather helped us a lot! Last year’s was the hardest La Ruta I’ve won. This time, after the toughest day 1 ever, we managed to control the other three stages, however it was much more comfortable�, he commented.
Paolo Montoya had to accept the second place certificate for the second edition in a row behind Ramirez (at 13:46. “I would like to congratulate ‘Lico’ he has had a terrific race, he’s teammate Alexander (Sánchez) really helped him too so it was a great team job�, stated Paolo.
Once again the “pizza� boys worked together and left almost every one behind at the very beginning of the closing stage. Only Montoya was able to follow their pace on the first climb and along the flattest kilometers of the whole race. This group of three stayed together for the merciless train-tracks and the stage was only decided on the finish line at Playa Bonita.
The third place of the GC went to Enrique Artavia (Súper Pro-Economy Rent a Car), 1:08:41 behind the champion. Frenchman Thomas Dietsch (Gewiss-Bianchi) was fourth, descending one position compared to his result of last year’s Conquistadores.
Fifth position was for another Costa Rican - though USA based- Manuel Prado (Sho Air-Rock and Road Cyclery). Manny’s career of four years has been directly related to this race. He was “thirty something� in his first La Ruta, in 2005. This time he climbed up to the podium in what can considered his highlight.
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