La Ruta newbie Schultz ready for the challenge

XC winner Sam Schultz (Subaru-Trek) looked inspired again today.

XC winner Sam Schultz (Subaru-Trek) looked inspired again today. (Image credit: Dave McElwaine)

A few days ago Sam Schultz (Subaru-Trek) was riding in snow near his Missoula, Montana, home. Today he was facing tropical heat and humidity in Costa Rica on the eve of the La Ruta de los Conquistadores, a four-day mountain bike stage race crossing the country.

Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews.  She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.