November 10, 2008 (San José, Costa Rica) – Canadian road cyclist and 2008 Road Worlds ITT silver medallist, Svein Tuft, has cancelled his participation at this year’s La Ruta de los Conquistadores. His coach from his new team, Garmin-Chipotle, wanted Tuft to join the team’s training base camp for next year’s road season.

The team meeting will start just a few days after La Ruta, in Colorado, USA, and they were worried about the schedule and the risk of injury at the Costa Rican mountain bike event.

Although he was very anxious to take part at the challenge, his manager and team owner request that he pull out the event. “I have a very big season ahead of me and that is what I need to focus on,” said Tuft in an email he sent to the organizers a couple of days ago. “I really appreciate you inviting me and I would love to do the race some day under different circumstances,” he added.

Nevertheless, tough competition at La Ruta is still guaranteed. Spanish rider Roberto Heras, three-time winner of La Vuelta, is already in Jacó Beach where La Ruta will kick-off in two days – Nov. 12-15.

The former road climber is looking to podium at this year’s Conquistadores, though he has been told about the demanding conditions of the course and the level of the local competitors. “Let’s see what will happen. I’ve heard this is a tough race and that the local guys take it pretty seriously,” stated Heras, who went out for a pre-ride this morning together with another Spanish participants and La Ruta PR Director Luis Rueda. “I’m feeling pretty good and will do my best to be at the top for the next four days,” he commented to local newspaper journalists.

Another pro racer registered for the race, French rider Thomas Dietsch, will arrive in San José tonight.