Breaking news from the cycling world: Hans Becking, the Netherlands’ mountain biking maestro, has pedaled his way to the top in the first stage of La Ruta de los Conquistadores 2023. Fresh off his South American tour, where he left his tire tracks in Bolivia, Chile, and Brazil, Becking has now set his sights on conquering Costa Rica.
Becking’s Triumphant Ride
At 37, this Dutch dynamo isn’t just riding bikes; he’s making history as the first from the Netherlands to win a stage of La Ruta and snag the leader’s jersey. His victory in the grueling 70-kilometer first stage in Siquirres, Limón, was nothing short of spectacular. Battling high temperatures and demanding terrain, Becking broke away from the pack in the last eight kilometers, clocking in at 1 hour, 54 minutes, and 07 seconds (1.54.07).
The Stage Setting: Siquirres, Limón
The 29th edition of this world-renowned mountain biking competition kicked off in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, flipping the script from its usual route. Becking, in a stunning display of athleticism, surpassed Colombian cyclist Luis Mejía during a critical moment at the Río Reventazón dike.
The Chase Pack
Not far behind, Honduran Luis López crossed the finish line 38 seconds later, with Mejía hot on his heels at 39 seconds. The top Costa Rican contender, Carlos Herrera, wasn’t too far off the pace, finishing with a respectable time of 1:55:22.
Becking: The Adventurer and the Enthusiast
Having spent a week in Costa Rica prior to the race, Becking soaked up the pura vida vibes in Cahuita, Limón. He’s smitten with the friendly locals and the laid-back Costa Rican lifestyle, adding an extra layer of joy to his racing experience.
The Women’s Race: A Show of Strength
In the women’s division, American Hannah Otto clinched victory with a time of 2:13:16. She was followed closely by Costa Rican cyclists Kristel Espinoza and Eunice Rojas, showcasing the fierce competition in the female category.
Looking Ahead: The Mountain Awaits
The next challenge? A grueling 80-km stretch from CATIE in Turrialba to Tres Ríos. Riders will face a steep ascent from the sugarcane fields to the slopes of the Turrialba Volcano before heading towards the Irazú Volcano crossroads.
As La Ruta de los Conquistadores continues, all eyes are on Becking and his fellow cyclists. Will the Dutchman maintain his lead, or will the mountains of Costa Rica crown a new conqueror? Stay tuned for more pedal-powered drama in this epic race!
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