November 2, 2006 – With hours to go before the very early action gets underway on Stage 1 (racing begins just after 5am!), some of the favourites shared their thoughts on the weekend’s activities.

The locals are definitely rallying for an upset from Banco Costa Rica/Pizza Hut’s Federico Ramirez, a three-time winner of the event. Ramirez has returned to La Ruta with a revitalized love for cycling. He almost quit this year, but is gunning for the CR Road Race Championships later this season and hopes his road riding will give him the strength he needs to get through the attrition of the next few days.

“The level of competition has gone up so much, but it’s made it a much more credible event,” Ramirez explained. “This race began as more of an expedition of sorts – now it’s a real race with some really incredible riders.”

Riders like the legendary Thomas Frischknecht. the former world champion, is here in full force, taking a break from his ‘cross season to defend his 2005 title. “I am suddenly remembering just how tough this race is, and how beautiful the scenery is,” the Swisspower rider said. “But for me, the biggest challenge and competitor is not a specific person, it’s the course. The temperature, the route, the weather, it will all factor in greatly. I know it will be muddy in parts, which is good for me. And if there’s as much running in the first stage as they say, that too might play in my favour.”

25-year-old American Adam Craig was philosophical about his chances for a good overall finish, and spoke of an old nickname that former Motorola roadie, mountain biker Greg “Chopper” Randolph once gave him at a race in Vermont in the late ’90s: “The MossMan.”

“I think it’s pretty apropos for this race, being known as the MossMan,” Giant’s Craig said. “I was given it by Chopper because I am very good at resting – he said I nap so much I might “grow moss”. But since we will be riding through some pretty wild rainforests, with trees full of moss, I’m hoping it might be some kind of good luck charm.”

Another rider who may need luck on his side is former Canadian national champion Andreas Hestler. The Rocky Mountain/Business Objects rider has had some rough luck in the local BC ‘Cross season, with a series of mechanical problems taking its toll on his chances for podiums.

“I think I might just have to grab some moss and stick it to my frame and hope for the same good luck that the MossMan is looking for,” said Hestler of TransRockies fame. “If there’s some kind of spiritual connection with this incredible terrain, I’ll want to soak every bit of it up – especially if this race is tough as it looks!”

Stay tuned to pedalmag.com for more coverage from La Ruta in Costa Rica.