This Sunday, December 15, Guatemalan cycling lived a historic milestone in the Tour of Costa Rica 2024, with José Canastuj and Rony Julajuj taking first and second place, respectively in the third stage, the longest of the competition with 223 kilometers, between San Carlos and El Paraíso, where the two Guatemalans dominated the ascent to Guayacán and stood out in the final breakaway.
Guatemala’s participation in this edition of the Vuelta a Costa Rica has been outstanding. The National Team has shown a high competitive level, with several of its riders standing out in the most demanding stages of the competition.
In addition to Canastuj and Julajuj, cyclist Nelson Panjoj has also been part of the breakaways and has remained as one of the main contenders in the general classification.
Canastuj, who took the victory, and Julajuj, his teammate, crossed the finish line holding hands, a gesture that symbolizes companionship and shared achievement. This result marks the first time in history that Guatemala has taken the first two places in a stage of the Tour of Costa Rica.
The third stage was a key stage for the Guatemalans, who, despite the strong international competition, managed to impose their rhythm in the mountains. With this achievement, Guatemalan cycling reaffirms its growth and the potential of its athletes in high-level competitions, as demonstrated by this historic performance.
The triumph of Canastuj and Julajuj is not only an individual success, but also a reflection of the teamwork and constant effort of national cycling. This result becomes a symbol of unity and pride in Guatemalan sport, which continues to leave its mark in international events.
With this triumph, Guatemala puts its name high in the sport, sending a clear message that, with hard work, determination and talent, dreams can come true. As for the general classification, Costa Rican Luis Daniel Oses (7C-Economy Lacoinex) kept the yellow leader’s jersey with a comfortable lead over his closest rival, which exceeds one minute.
The Central American race will continue this Monday with the fourth stage, a 102-kilometer flat day between Orotina and Quepos. The successor of Juan Diego Alba, last year’s champion, will be announced on December 22 in Heredia (Costa Rica).
Tour of Costa Rica 2024
Stage 3 | San Carlos -> Paraíso (223 km)
| 1 | José Canastuj | Selección de Guatemala | 6:02:25 |
| 2 | Rony Julajuj | Selección de Guatemala | m.t. |
| 3 | Andrés Alpizar | Ciclo Cafe-Coffee Expert | 1:28 |
| 4 | Brandon Brenes | Distrib.Cruz-Tecnoforest | 2:31 |
| 5 | Brayan Obando | Movistar-Best PC | 2:31 |
| 6 | Santiago Montenegro | Movistar-Best PC | 2:31 |
| 7 | Daniel Bonilla | Team Colono Bikestation Kölbi | 2:31 |
| 8 | Alejandro Granados | Team Colono Bikestation Kölbi | 2:31 |
| 9 | Gabriel Rojas | 7C-Economy Lacoinex | 2:31 |
Ranking General
| 1 | Luis Daniel Oses | 7C-Economy Lacoinex | 16:26:00 |
| 2 | Lars Quaedvlieg | Universe Cycling Team | 1:33 |
| 3 | Rony Julajuj | Selección de Guatemala | 2:28 |
| 4 | José Canastuj | Selección de Guatemala | 2:46 |
| 5 | Alejandro Granados | Team Colono Bikestation Kölbi | 3:19 |
| 6 | Santiago Montenegro | Movistar-Best PC | 3:26 |
| 7 | Sergio Chumil | Selección de Guatemala | 3:39 |
| 8 | Leandro Varela | 7C-Economy Lacoinex | 4:19 |
| 9 | Joseph Ramírez | CMS-Prefabricados San Carlos | 4:23 |
| 10 | Gabriel Rojas | 7C-Economy Lacoinex | 4:23 |
Source: https://247prensadigital.com