Costa Rica race features volcanoes

Joining other endurance events on the Costa Rican mountain bike calendar is the El Reto de los Volcanes, the only mountain bike stage race that climbs three different volcanoes (Irazú, Barva and Poas) in three days from April 12 to 14.

The first stage starts in Cot, not far from the capital of San Jose and goes around Irazu Volcano. Stage two moves to Birri and climbs the Barva Volcano before finishing in San Pedro de Poás. The last stage heads toward the Poas Volcano, which has the widest crater in the world. The race ends back in San Pedro de Poás.

The first edition of the race, held in 2007, was won by Esteban Blanco and Nancy Amores.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the San Pedro de Poás. For more information, visit www.retodelosvolcanes.com.

El Reto de los Volcanes 2008
Stage 1: Cot de Cartago-Volcán Irazú-Cot de Cartago, 53km
Stage 2: Hotel Montecampana-Volcán Barva-San Pedro de Poás, 60km
Stage 3: San Pedro de Poás-Volcán Poás-San Pedro de Poás, 60km