Montoya wins stage 2 of La Ruta

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Costa Rican cyclist Paolo Montoya (Frijoles Los Tierniticos-Focus) won stage 2 of La Ruta de los Conquistadores that went from Terramall to Turrialba, covering 100km. Costa Rican Marconi Durán (Coopenae-Movistar-Economy), winner of stage 1 on Thursday, finished second at 1:19 followed by Alex Grant (ShorAir-Cannondale) in third at 1:35.

At the end of the stage, Montoya said that his strategy for the day was to improve on his general classification, which he accomplished as he's now up to third overall, but he also noted that Durán is in great shape

"Obviously since the beginning, I decided to take a defensive approach. Today was do or die for me and so I gave my best," said Montoya. "I suffered a little in the high parts that came after the new addition to the stage, and I lost a little bit of time that I had gained on them. I was the first one to begin the descent, where they caught up to me a little more, but in the last part, when I knew I had a chance to win, I gave all I had to lower my time."

"Tomorrow will be a long day. I think there will be a lot of group riding and I have to be in the lead pack," said Montoya. "I hope to win again, but it will be hard. I would be happy if I could be one of the first three [overall], but I came here to win."

Durán said, "I took a big step in a stage that had a lot of climbing. I expected [Todd] Wells and [Alex] Grant to gain some time on the downhill, but thankfully there were no problems on how everything happened. Unfortunately Todd got a flat tire, but these things happen in mountain biking.

Wells actually got several flat tires, before and after he changed wheels at the tech zone.  He finished over half an hour down on stage 2, ending any chance at an overall win.

"At least I got second today and I didn't lose much time," said Duran. "I'm really happy to have a chance to win the overall tomorrow. Stage 3 has a lot of mountain climbing at first. It's long and very hot, and we have to have a different strategy. I will have my team that will help me no matter what."

However, the general classification leader doesn't think of himself as the winner yet. "I don't think there is anything set in stone yet," said Duran. "I know I can win this, but until I get to the finish line nothing is certain."

Wells is now placed fifth in the overall results. Because of his setback, Grant had to finish the stage alone and said, "We have to wait and see what happens when we get to Limón, we will fight for the win."

Mata only one step away from winning women's race

American Pua Mata won for the second straight day and is the heavy favourite to claim the overall victory on Saturday. She can only lose if something completely unpredictable happens.

"The hardest part of today was the new part because it was really steep, and I didn't know what to expect so I was riding very cautiously," said Mata.

"I don't know tomorrow's first part, so again I don't know what to expect. I'm really scared of the bridges, so I still don't feel like the winner because anything can happen. I haven't felt so good this year compared to last year. This year, I got injured and although I'm not at my best, I am trying my hardest."

Stage 2 will start on Saturday at 7:00 am.  The final day of La Ruta de los Conquistadores will cover 121km from Turrialba to La Playa Bonita in Limón.

Full stage 2 and brief GC after stage 2 Results