The Vuelta De Costa Rica is one of Costa Rica’s biggest sporting events. It is a 14 day cycling event that tours every sector of the country, from San Jose to Liberia, Puntarenas, Guapiles, Siquirres, Cartago, San Isidro de General and Santa Teresa de Perez Zeledon.

This competition is known as one of the toughest cycling competitions in the Americas.

Riders came from 5 different countries for this year’s competition. Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Canada. On the 12th day the riders left Cartargo and cross the Cerro de Muerte on the route to San Isidro de General.

Going over the 10,000 ft plus mountain pass that links Cartago and the Central Valley to San Isidro and the Valley General is one of the toughest legs of the competition.

The 13th day was a 30 km time trial from Santa Teresa de P.Z. to San Isidro de General and I just happened to be in town that day. The little mountain town was full of people. People came from all over the local area and from around the country to watch the start and the exciting 7km section from Santa Teresa to the Interamericana highway below. It is a newly, perfectly paved road that drops some 1,500 ft over 7 km.

The mayor of San Isidro and top officials from MOPT came from San Jose to start the day’s event. The mayor of San Isidro has been working closely with MOPT officials out of San Jose getting our roads in the outlying communities paved. Because of these efforts access to local communities in the San Isidro area is better than it ever was.

The media was out in full force interviewing the top rider’s from the 5 different countries.

The weather was picture perfect and I had my camera with me so managed to take a few shots. This was a big day for Santa Teresa and the local area. It also reminded people see what a great area this is in the Valley General.

I talked to a few people form the San Jose area and people from outside the country that commented on how beautiful this particular area is, close to San Isidro de General but yet tucked in against the Chirripo National forest.

All the riders got off safely in route to San Isidro. With the Policia de Transito on motorcycles leading the way down the mountain and their team following behind. Many people stayed in San Teresa for the days fiesta with food music and soccer games through out the day.

Regards to all & Happy New Year!!

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