November 14th, 2011 10:05am
After three days of massive climbs and rain forest jungles, racers from the 2011 version of the La Ruta De Los Conquistadores were headed to Playa Bonita on the Caribbean Ocean. While every rider was happy to see day four arrive along with visions of cold beers on the beach, it would not come easy. Even if the route map was void of massive climbs, this was still La Ruta and there was the prestige of being a Conquistador at stake.
Compared to the previous stages, day four brought a more serious tone and tempo to the race as none of the contenders wanted to give up time on the last day. The first three days made riders choose their energy usage wisely. This final test would have contenders leave nothing on the table.
The day started off with a relatively neutral start through the town of Turrialba for about 5 k before quickly hitting the first climb, a short steep paved climb that would spread out the field. This was followed by numerous rolling hills that twisted almost halfway up the volcano Turrialba and peaked out on a steep and loose gravel climb called La Allegria. If you had any climb left in your legs, La Allegria took it from you. From here riders were in for a long downhill run into the long flat finish that is anything but boring.
The descent to flat includes major temperature increases as La Ruta contestants are exposed to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. High humidity and direct sunlight would sap the racers strength if they are not properly hydrating and consuming food and electrolytes. The final stage also features the fabled railroad track sections and the famous bridge crossings that force riders to walk the bridges while carrying their bikes.
Once remounted, racers begin to pick up the tempo often looking for others to work with before stopping at the last externally supported feed/tech zone. This is immediately followed by a one-hour high speed section through the banana plantation (where one rider was reportedly hi-jacked from his bike by bandits).
After the final neutral aid station the racers rode for approximately 12 kilometers down the beach to the finish line. Reports of soft sand sections mixed with the packed sand took every bit of strength and mental resolve the riders had left before dropping them off on the entry road to Playa Bonita where teammates, friends and family awaited their Conquerors.
The most challenging climb on the final day was La Allegria, which means happiness, but not to these riders, the super loose gravel and rock climb with about a 20% grade was painful. Milton Ramos (Honduras) rides a fat tire bike (No not a Surly) up the insider gutter for better traction only to slide out on the steep and tight right hand turn that is covered in green moss on the cement. This inside line looks like the obvious choice, but caused every rider i saw to crash or slide out due to both the slippery surface and the pitch the far outside right was actually the better.
Cody Gerry (USA) of Team Herbal Life tapping it out as the heat index rises and traffic surrounds him.
Santos Corea Gutierrez wearing the leaders jersey in the 30-39 age category lead by 9 minutes going into the last day. Guiterrez could not hold off the hard charging Jeff Herrera who made up 17 minutes a on the final two stages to steal the victory. The expression on his face tells it all. Gutierrez was cooked.
A short stint on a major thorough fare for racers before heading out into the banana plantation.
This rider is checking to see if anyone is behind him as tired legs are setting in.
It's why they ride it. The coveted finisher medals and the right to be called a conquistador.
Milton Ramos expressing what it feels like to finish La Ruta.
Winner of the mens 30-39 division and the most heroic effort - Jeff Herrera (Costa Rica) of our own Bicycle World TV Race Team - pumps a fist after overcoming a 25 minute deficit in the final two stages to take victory in his first La Ruta race.
Cody Gerry, a bit bloody but still stoked to finish and finish strong - shows the relief and pride of finishing for his Herbal Life sponsors. Cody put in a huge effort on all four days riding most of the race by himself as can some times happen in mountain bike racing. But four days in La Ruta is asking a lot. Our hats off to him.
240 miles of punishing climbs and sketchy loose descents and this rider couldn't keep it together for the last 10 feet coming to a stop 3 feet before the finish line. Good thing this is a sand finish. Only his ego was bruised.
The least we could do is give him a solo shot. Jesus Hernandez Sanabria of Venezuela after his crowd pleasing dismount.
Winning isn't easy. Ask Todd Wells. Todd attacked the field on the first day to win the stage by 11 minutes then held on every day to keep the race within his grasp. Todd took second on the final day but won the overall in his first attempt and without pre-riding the course. Impressive.
La Ruta legend and five time winner Federico Ramirez Mendez wasn't a threat this year looking uncomfortable on every stage. But after five wins here you earn the right to have a bad race.
Moises Hernandez Araya being interviewed after winning stage four by eight minutes. The entire race received good news coverage throughout the country especially when a Costa Rican native wins.
Travis Hauck of Canada took third place in the 30-39 category with a solid effort. And the leader after day one.
La Ruta is all about the adventure and the feeling each individual gets upon completion is truly personal.
The adventure of La Ruta is shared by more than just the riders. Family and support members invest much time, money and understanding to help their loved ones achieve their goals. Here Cody Gerry and his father share a moment of joy.
Take a lesson, racing with one arm and completing La Ruta - Idelfonso Alejandro Oporta Reyes is the true embodiment of the human spirit.
He is a true Conquistador.
Picking up his winnings - Jeff Herrera riding for Bicycle World TV - had a huge family support team on hand,
some of whom had never seen a mountain bike race.
Omens overall winner Adriana Rojas of Costa Rica, comfortable all four days easily winning the womens division ahead of several highly accomplished racers.
World champion and Conquistadora Rebecca Rush added 22 km. to her race by missing a turn and going in the wrong direction on the final day. Rebecca still hung on to second place and always had a smile on her face from the start on day one until the finish. It was a pleasure to watch her race and meet her.
The overall winner and still champion - Todd Wells - raced cyclo-cross just one week before in the states and has another cross race in just two weeks. Todd continued his winning ways with great form and confidence. I got to speak with Todd after the race and a jump in the ocean, during an interview and it was refreshing as hear his take on this race, his career and more in an honest and open manner.
Look for the interview with Todd and video footage of the race in the next week. If you want to be notified when it is up, join our mail list and we will send you the notification and the link.
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Location: News >> La Ruta 2011 - The final day with race photos
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