11/03/06 - Online Article // La Ruta 2006 - Day 3

After an impressive performance throughout the three stages, Leonardo Paez took first place at La Ruta de los Conquistadores, while Costa Rican Andrey Amador won the third and final stage.

Just 20 years old, Amador said it was an honor to debate the title with such a great athlete. “He is very humble and shy, but he does show what he is made of when taking over the pedals,” Amador said, referring to Páez.

Paez just won a Pan American Mountain Bike title in Brazil three weeks ago. He also finished second at the marathon World Championship and fifth in cross-country at the XC World’s. “This has been a tough training year, for the World Cup, as well as other events,” Paez said. “I did not particularly train for this one.”

When he was asked if this was the toughest race he’s competed in, he agreed with other competitors. “Yes, I agree. This is another important achievement. It’s definitively the hardest race I’ve been to, mainly the first stage,” Páez said.

Jeremiah Bishop was in second place but broke his nose and jaw in an accident and had to abandon the race. He is in stable condition in a hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica. Race organizers said he is expected to return soon to the U.S. for his recovery.

Past year’s champion, Thomas Frischknecht, finished tenth, after two difficult stages early in the race.

On the women’s side, Canadian Marg Fedyna ended Louise Kobin’s quest for a fourth La Ruta victory. Hillary Harrison took third place.

Of the 510 people who signed up for the fourteenth edition of La Ruta, organizers estimated that 350 racers finished the three-day event.

In celebration of the event’s fifteenth year, La Ruta will add a fourth day to the race.

Men’s Results

1. Leonardo Paez Columbia
2. Andrei Amador Costa Rica
3. Federico Ramirez Costa Rica
4. Deiver Esquivel Costa Rica
5. Marzio Deho Italy
6. Tinker Juarez U.S.
7. Adam Craig U.S.
8. Eddy Perez Costa Rica
9. Marvin Camps Nicaragua
10. Thomas Frischknecht Switzerland

Women’s Results

1. Mary Fedyna Canada
2. Louise Kobin U.S.
3. Hillary Harrison U.S.
4. Rebecca Rusch U.S.
5. Fe Christine De Mezerville Costa Rica
6. Gabriella Molina Guatemala
7. Charlotte Klein Canada
8. Stacy Moller USA
9. Megan Rose Australia
10. Rebecca Marin Solano Costa Rica