December 23/09 22:27 pm - Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica - Stage 8

Posted by Editoress on 12/23/09
 

Greatwall-Indeportes Antioquia’s Janier Acevedo won the eighth stage Individual Time Trial of the 45th Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica and took the overall lead, with a powerful demonstration of strength. Today’s course consisted of 13.6 kilometres of climbing with a brutal 20% gradient in spots.

Colombian Acevedo recorded a time of 32:00 minutes for the route from Cartago to Santa Rosa de Oreamuno, beating his closest rivals by more than one minute. Second was former leader Gregory Brenes, of team BCR-Pizza Hut-KHS at 1:28, while Julián Rodas, also a Greatwall’s rider, came in third with a gap of 1:39. The other local hope, Juan Carlos Rojas of Plycem-JPS-Orbea, lost 2:17, barely enough for a fourth place.

These four riders have been the stars of the tour so far, and it is pretty well guaranteed that this year’s La Vuelta’s title is going to be a battle between them. Acevedo seems to be the one with the big chances, since he now has commanding lead of 1:09 in the general classification over former yellow jersey holder Brenes. Juan Carlos Rojas is settled fourth at 2:22, with Rodas one step up in third at 1:44.

Rodas is unlikely to attack on his team leader, but is waiting in the wings if something goes wrong. Brenes and Rojas will have their last chances at the final three stages, with the infamous “Cerro de la Muerte” climbs and the 30 kilometre flat time trial of stage 11.

Tomorrow is the rest day for all the caravan. The racers will have the chance to take a deep breath after three continuous mountain days and celebrate Christmas with their families and friends. La Vuelta action will return on Friday with the traditional “Circuito Presidente de la República”, a circuit race held every December 25th.

This year will be a 10 lap course covering 98 kilometres, at the Costa Rican Pacific Resort of Jacó Beach.