December 25/09 20:30 pm - Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica - Stage 9

Posted by Editoress on 12/25/09
 

Costa Rican Eduardo Garita won today’s ninth stage of the 45th Vuelta Ciclista Internacional a Costa Rica that was held in the Pacific coastal town of Jacó, in the Province of Puntarenas.

The course consisted of a 10 lap circuit that has been traditionally known as the “Circuito Presidente” and has been part of the Costa Rican tour for 20 years. However, this was the first time the “Circuit President”, so named in honor of the President of the country, has been held outside of the Central Valley.

Garita, of team Citibank-Economy Rent a Car-Blue, completed the 98 kilometre route on a time of 2:15:19, while Paulo Vargas of Plycem-JPS-Orbea finished second, and Guatemalan Carlos Hernández came in third.

The course was indeed suited the peloton’s sprinters, since its flat terrain offered them the opportunity of getting to the finish ahead of the group. Garita pushed harder than the rest in the final metres to see the checkered flag of the first place on this Christmas Day.

According to the winner, it was his team's plan to stay with the main group and to attack at the very end. “We knew this was the best chance we would have to give our team and sponsors another stage victory and so we did”.

Overall leader Colombian Janier Acevedo, of team Greatwall-Indeportes Antioquia, crossed the line 53 seconds behind Garita, however, his closest rivals were in the same group, so the South American retained the yellow jersey.

Tomorrow’s 10th stage will take the riders up to the highest point of La Vuelta, the feared “Cerro de la Muerte”, at 3296 meters above sea level. The 127.5 kilometre route will link the Capital city of San José with San Isidro of Pérez Zeledón in the Southeast region.