October 10, 2008 – Is there a chance for a road cyclist to win La Ruta? There is no question about it”¦ mountain biking is getting more popular among the world’s cycling community. Not only avid career’s mountain bikers have entered some of the most famous events of the specialty over the past few years but “roadies” have also turned their eyes to epic challenges such as La Ruta de los Conquistadores.

The 2008’s La Ruta wont’ be the exception. Among the pro and amateur field traditionally composed by some of the most recognized local and international mountain bike riders, the crowds will also have the opportunity to cheering on some particular racers. These competitors are most habituated to the smell of hot asphalt than the taste of powder and the shine of wet rocks.

This year’s UCI’s TT World Championships silver medal, Canadian Svein Tuft, has confirmed his spot on the start line for November 12, when La Ruta kicks off in Jacó Beach, next to the Pacific shore.

Next to him will be former La Vuelta three times winner Roberto Heras, who has come back on cycling after a two years absence. The Spaniard climber recently won the Titan Desert in Morocco, showing he has the skills and strength for mountain biking too.

Tuft might show his sprinting and pacing abilities on the last stage, from Turrialba to Limón. This fourth and final leg is the flattest and longest of the whole event with extended sections on paved roads, which allow cyclists to set their “Tour” strategies in order to grab the stage winner certificate.

On his side, Heras is going to proof why he’s still considered one of the best climbers in the history of cycling. Stages one, two and three are more alike to what he is accustomed to face up on the Alps and the Pyrenees.

The muddy and humid ascents of day 1 across the Carara National Park might be the hardest test for him, while the climbing to Copalchi on day 2 and to the slopes of the Irazu Volcano on day 3 give the impression to be perfect for Roberto to confirm his climber’s talent.

As for the mountain bike world’s guys, French Thomas Diestch (Gewiss-Bianchi) has confirmed his intention to try it one more time to win La Ruta. He has recently finished second overall at the UCI’s XCM Wold Cup just behind his teammate and former la Ruta champion, Colombian Leonardo Páez. Diestch was third in last years’ La Ruta.

After winning this 2008’s Trans Rockies, in Canada, Italian Marzio Deho and Johnny Cattaneo will now dare the Tropical conditions and the local potential to conquer La Ruta. Deho first came to La Ruta in 2006, finishing 5th in the Open Men category.

For the local field, defending champion Federico Ramírez (BCR-Pizza Hut) will come back to defend his title and confirm himself as the record-man of La Ruta with his fifth trophy.

Other pro Costa Rican riders at the start will be Paolo Montoya, Manuel Prado and Deiber Esquivel. These racers are to be the local hope to get back the “ticos” domination of the years past.