November 8, 2007 – There are just a few days left before the start of this year’s La Ruta de los Conquistadores 15th Anniversary edition and only one thing is certain at the moment: the “hardest race on planet” will have a new champion, since the 2006 winner, Leonardo Páez (Full Dynamix), won’t be at the start line on November 14, as he is recovering from injuries sustained in a crash during the season.

“He needs to rest and recover his wounded bones. He crashed but never had time to rest afterwards. Leo went back to World Cup races just when he felt a little better. I think this is the perfect time for him to stop racing and get in good shape again, with next year’s season and the Olympics in mind,” Paez’s coach Andrea Bianco explained to the La Ruta’s organizers.

Therefore, for only the second time in the La Ruta’s history, there won’t be a defending conquistador on the start list (first time was in 2002, when Costa Rican José Adrián Bonilla did not race after he won the 2001 trophy). Nevertheless, the competition will be tough, taking into account the names of some of the racers registered for 2007. Here’s the 2007 Start List (PDF).

One of the entrants seems to be the favorite to conquer this wild course across Costa Rica. French rider Thomas Dietsch (Bianchi) stands out from his colleagues, as evidenced by his latest results. He’s ranked #1 in the UCI XCM standings and also achieved first place in this 2007’s XCM World Cup. Dietsch also finished third in the Marathon MTB World Championships, among other important results.

But some people are wondering if an European racer truly has what it takes to win a race like La Ruta. It’s possible, however, there is no other race like La Ruta!

The great Thomas Frischnecht (Sui) Swisspower battled against the finest local guys and the grueling course’s conditions to win his first La Ruta two years ago. Nevertheless, one year later, he fell down to 10th place. Besides, there is another big question: Will Dietsch come to Costa Rica to win La Ruta, or is he just taking part in this epic challenge because he just doesn’t want to die without completing the most difficult race ever? It is our intention to put an end to speculation, so we spoke to Thomas about it.

Interview with Thomas Dietsch

Why did you choose La Ruta as your final race of the season?
Thomas Dietsch (TD): I am an MTB professional rider. My objective, in order to live my passion, is to win races. However, biking is also a fantastic way to discover and explore a country. So if La Ruta allows me to discover Costa Rica while giving my best to be on the front of the race… what more could I want? It is very good!

What attracted you the most about the race?
TD: La Ruta is an important race, a big event. I realized how big when I looked at the number of riders on the start list. The organization structure, the number of Media representatives present for this event, the website…. It’s very impressive!

How did you find out about La Ruta? Where did you read or hear about it?
I knew of this race through magazines and from the European riders who have participated!

Do you believe this is an important race or is it just a “happy ending” to relax and travel to a tropical country after the World Cup season? What are your expectations for the race?
TD: I went to Costa Rica on holiday without my bike, after the Roc d’Azur, in October. But when I saw on the website the different stages and the difficulty of the race, I realized that it really would not be easy…. I went back to training! It is certain that at the end of the season, my legs and physical condition are not the same as when I won the World Cup. Besides, I rarely participate in races like La Ruta: very long and very hard, with meteorological conditions that we never have in Europe. I will do my best to be with the best riders on the front of the race, but if this is not the case, I hope to get a maximum of pleasure out of this race!

La Ruta has turned into an important event that attracts many international Media representatives and pro racers from all around the planet. Do you think this race helps to get exposure for racers’ sponsors?
TD: I think Media and racers like me, are attracted to this event because it is an unusual race (course, difficulties, landscapes, etc.). I think this race helps to get exposure for racers’ sponsor, but not for “pro-racers” at 100% because we don’t have races like La Ruta in Europe … and that’s a SHAME!!!

Was the 2007 season the best in Thomas Dietsch’s career?
TD: 2007 was my best season of my Marathon career. I won the World Cup, finished thid in the World Championships and #1 in the UCI XCM Rankings. Not too bad, huh?

People and Media say this is the toughest race on the planet. Even racers like Thomas Frischknecht and Leonardo Paéz said so. Would it be the “big finale” for your season to win it?
TD: I would really like to finish my season with a victory in La Ruta, but this race is way different than any other and it’s hard to make predictions (I saw also, in last year’s results that Costa Rican riders are very strong!) We will see on the 17 at 5:30 p.m.!!!


Registration for La Ruta 2008 is now open!

There are still a few days left before this year’s La Ruta de los Conquistadores begins, nevertheless, the organizers of Costa Rica’s famed mountain bike event have just announced that registration for the 2008 edition is now open.

Taking in account that all the available spots for this year’s race were filled about two months before the race, it would be a good idea to check what the entry fee includes for the next year’s La Ruta and sign up as early as possible.

“The 2008 La Ruta will take place November 12-15 and the online registration is now open for non-local and local racers as well. We look forward to having as many early entrants as possible, since a lot of guys didn’t make it on time this year and were forced to stay on the waiting list. Only a few of them got a late entry, the rest had to wait until next year’s edition. I’m sure the most of them will be first on the list to avoid missing the challenge again,” Race Director Luis Víquez said.

Registration packages are almost the same and the organizers will maintain the four-day format that is going to be launched next week.

“I’m pretty sure we will have a lot of people coming back next year after they see what we have prepared for this 15th Anniversary celebration,” PR Manager Luis Rueda stated.

To check out entry fees and packages, go to www.adventurerace.com and click on the 2008 Registration banner.