Local rider Federico Ramírez has won the opening stage of the famously tough La Ruta de los Conquistadores stage race in Costa Rica. 2007 marks the 15th anniversary of the event, although it’s really only come to the attention of the wider world in the last few years largely thanks to well-known riders like Thomas Frischknecht (winner in 2005) and Tinker Juarez taking up the challenge.

Ramírez (who, splendidly, lists Pizza Hut among his sponsors) finished the 97km stage with a time of 5:12:36. Fellow Costa Rican Paolo Montoya (Mancosta Lee Cougan) was just over seven minutes behind, with World Cup Marathon Champion Thomas Dietsch (Gewiss-Bianchi) in third.

“I’m happy for me and my sponsors,” said Ramírez. “I know the courage and good conditions of Paolo and Thomas, but I use my strategy to win. I feel proud because I understand how important is to have a local winner again, after so many time.”

While Ramírez has won La Ruta three times (in 1997, 1998 and 2002), the last two events have been won by non-Costa Rican riders.

In the women’s field, Susan Haywood (Trek-Volkswagen) came in at 6:54:26, 16 minutes clear of three-time winner Louise Kobin.

And to fulfil our UK-based news site obligations, best of British luck to Hamish Bingley (Ben Hayward Cycles, currently in 63rd place in the Open category), Vik Chaudhuri (40th in A Masters), Charlie Eustace (Ellsworth/Freeborn, 42nd in A Masters), Sam Dowling (Fanylion Racing, 48th in A Masters), Matthew Kemp (Ride Beyond, 62nd in A Masters), Mark Cadle (38th in B Masters) and Andrew Burton (4th in Masters).

Day 2 breaks new ground for La Ruta, with a new stage over the southern hills of San José – 75.2km and a massive 3,634m of climbing.