| 11/21/2001 | Mountain bikers from all around the world completed what is the hardest mountain bike race in the world called La Ruta de los Conquistadores (The Route of the Conquistadors) in Costa Rica. The race over covers 300 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea over three long hard days. The route snakes through rain forest, 12000 foot volcanoes, banana plantations and tiny farm towns, it alternatively drenches you in rain fall and freezes you in high elevation.
This year the home nation once again continued their domination at the ninth annual running of La Ruta de los Conquistadores. Jose Bonilla (Pizza Hut-Costa Rica) won the race beating the second place finisher, Tinker Juarez (Volvo-Cannondale). Tinker was only 30 seconds behind Bonilla after the first day, but on day two Bonilla broke away from Juarez near the base of a grueling 9000-foot climb, the crux. This planned attack gave his a 16 minute lead over Tinker that he was unable to close. Bonilla finished with an unofficial time of 15:40:32.
Juarez, a two-time Olympic competitor, three-time NORBA champion, and this year's NORBA 24-hour solo champion, finished with a combined time of 15:55:42. Tinker commented, "Now I know what kind of race this is, and it's a much bigger deal than I expected. As far as the races I've done, this is definitely the toughest."
Two hundred and seventy seven riders attempted this years race. To sign up for next years event visit the events website: www.adventurerace.comwww.velonews.com
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