The 2010 edition of La Ruta de los Conquistadore, the Costa Rican four-day stage race, will be graced by the presence of none other than Lance Armstrong’s trainer, Chris Carmichael.

Personal coach to Lance Armstrong and founder of Carmichael Training Systems (CTS), Chris today officially launched Chris Carmichael’s 10@50, which celebrates 10 years of CTS and his 50th birthday. Some way to celebrate!

“The 10th Anniversary of CTS and my 50th birthday are significant milestones in my life. Some people buy cars or boats to celebrate; I choose to go complete the biggest physical and mental challenge I’ve faced since preparing to race the Tour de France 24 years ago. When it comes to finding an authentic challenge, La Ruta is the real deal,” said Carmichael during an interview made by La Ruta 2002 winner, Hillary Harrison .

Román Urbina and Pipa León, owners of La Ruta de los Conquistadores. T.M are  honored to host Carmichael and his 10 athletes in this year’s edition. “It’s not only a huge privilege for us to be chosen by Chris as the tough challenge he will take for his 50th birthday, this also confirms La Ruta de los Conquistadores as the world-class event that it is and gives us more reasons to continue bringing this life-changing experience to athletes around the globe,” Urbina added.

La Ruta has earned a reputation for being the world’s toughest mountain bike race. Held November 17-20, 2010, the 4-day race travels from Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, through the mountains, to the Caribbean Sea. Steep terrain, deep mud, deteriorated train trestles, and sweltering heat and humidity are just some of what riders need to conquer. Only about half who start reach the finish line.

About La Ruta de los Conquistadores

La Ruta is a mountain bike race inspired by the journeys of Spanish explorer Juan de Cavallón through the mountains of Costa Rica, from the Pacific Coast to the Caribbean. It is known to be the world’s most difficult mountain bike multi-day race.

It covers a 420 kilometer (261 mile) path were riders go through Costa Rica’s rain forests, volcanoes, mountain ranges and rivers. They must also endure tropical weather temperatures that exceed 100 degrees, high levels of humidity and have the proper condition to climb approximately 24,000 vertical feet. The race has been taking place for 17 years and has attracted more than 7,000 athletes from 35 countries.

More at www.adventurerace.com