In an exciting finish, Bryan Salas (Team Costa Frut-Go Rigo Go), champion of the Vuelta a Nicaragua just a few weeks ago, won the fourth stage of the Vuelta a Costa Rica 2023, an undulating section of 172.2 kilometers between Liberia and Naranjo. The Colombian Juan Diego Alba (Movistar Best PC), with a great performance, finished 2nd.
The Costa Rican cyclist took the victory ahead of the Colombian climber Juan Diego Alba (Movistar Best PC) and another local rider Leandro Varela (7C-Economy Lacoinex), who finished third.
The Team Costafrut Go Rigo Go Giant rider started with the idea of improving his position in the general classification, which is why he did not hesitate to take advantage of the climb to Alto de Santiago to attack and go for victory in the longest stage of The Tour of Costa Rica.
“I went out to look for the race, it was the idea, also to try to reduce time, it is only my second stage victory in Vuelta a Costa Rica; The last one had been in Guápiles, in the rain. And well, the lap that I won, I didn’t win stages, I was second and third, but today’s victory was very special, the crowd was spectacular, I enjoyed that finish too much, I have no words to thank you,” said Bryan Salas.
The also champion of the 2008 Vuelta a Costa Rica demonstrated his ability and experience as a cyclist by winning a frenetic stage, with strong winds and in which the favorites for the title fought from start to finish to generate new differences:
“Once the mountain prize passed, they came close, but I knew that from behind they were going to attack, stop and attack, so I knew that I had to come at a strong pace that would not take me out of the point and be able to maintain the difference. I knew that this last climb was very complicated, there was a lot of wind, I had to handle that very well and with 5 kilometers left I could see the finishing line, I gave it my all,” concluded the stage winner.
In addition to the partial victory, Brayan Salas became the new Leader of the mountain after conquering the 10 points of Alto de Santiago.
Regarding the general classification, the Costa Rican Donovan Ramírez (7C – Economy – Lacoinex) gallantly defended the yellow jersey, being the protagonist of the day’s break. While his teammate Gabriel Rojas gave up more than six minutes in a day that catapulted Sergio Arias (Colono Bikestation Kölbi) to second position in the general classification, making him the main favorite to assume the lead in the high mountains. The podium is completed by Ecuadorian Santiago Montenegro (Movistar Best PC).
This Wednesday the fifth stage of the Costa Rican round will be held, starting in San Ramón and ending in Berlin, on a 99.8 kilometer route in mountainous terrain, which includes three categorized ports and a second-class finish.
Source: Revista Mundo Ciclístico y crciclismo.com