THE WORLD’S TOUGHEST MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE!
La Ruta is the world’s first multi-stage mountain bike competition. This event has crossed the continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic on 28 occasions, but now we reinvent ourselves.
Dare to participate in the adventure of your life in our 29th edition, departing from the hot and fertile Caribbean lowlands on the Atlantic coast and passing through 20 microclimates before reaching the Pacific after three days of intense excitement.
You also have the option of competing for just one day in LA SIESTA, a challenge that will be spectacular this year!
La Ruta is the world’s first multi-stage mountain bike competition. This event has crossed the continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic on 28 occasions, but now we reinvent ourselves.
Dare to participate in the adventure of your life in our 29th edition, departing from the hot and fertile Caribbean lowlands on the Atlantic coast and passing through 20 microclimates before reaching the Pacific after three days of intense excitement.
You also have the option of competing for just one day in LA SIESTA, a challenge that will be spectacular this year!
THE COURSE
For the first time in 29 years, the La Ruta course will start on the Caribbean Coast and finish in the Pacific.
Day One: The La Ruta stage race kicks off in Siquirres for the first time ever. The route will consist of gravel roads and single-track sections, making for a fast day. As the easiest of three stages, the competition will be fearless, and riders must be careful. Participants will experience various small banana plantations through the village towns. There will be two aid stations providing hydration and nutrition at each location. Expect a sweltering humid climate with a lot of sun exposure and chances of heavy tropical showers.
Day Two: CATIE in Turrialba to Ochomogo in Cartago. It will start at approx 600 meters and climb to 3100 meters on the first 37 km of the course .. there will be 80 km in total 3650 meters of climbing in total. The day will start hot and get very cold, windy, and possibly rainy. It is essential to bring rain jackets and cold weather gear. There will be three aid stations located at 25km, 45km, and 60km.
Day Three: Parque VIVA, Alajuela to Playa Herradura, Puntarenas 108km. Considered the most demanding day, the course is a series of steep, relentless climbs crossing valleys, rivers, and jungle sections. The most rigid jungle section will start at 70km, where riders may need to hike their bikes as part of the course. This section is historically known as the most challenging part of La Ruta, with riders climbing over 3,000 meters! The views are breathtaking with the coastline at approx 20km from the finish in the mountain of Bijagual at 500 meters above sea level. The course consists of gravel, single track, 4×4 – double track, mud, and very steep hills. There will be aid stations located at 30km, 50km, 65km, and 80km.
EXPLORA LA CARRERA POR ETAPAS
CATEGORIES AND AWARDS
OPEN CATEGORY (18-29) (30-39) (40-49) (50-59) (60+)
Elite (all ages)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
8am – 7 pm: Packet pick up and registration zone for costa ricans and residents
5pm – 7pm: Meet & Greet
MTB MERCHANDISING
