In a final at pure speed, the American rider John Borstelmann (BTR Racing) won the first stage of the Tour of Costa Rica 2024, after winning from the breakaway in a reduced sprint of 7 riders.

The North American took the victory after riding 208 kilometers between Heredia and Liberia. In second place came Costa Rican John Jiménez (7C-Economy Lacoinex) and third came Mexican Ignacio Prado (Canel’s-Java). All three with the same time.

The peloton was reported more than 3 minutes behind the breakaway, in which some of the favorites for the title arrived, as well as the Colombian Heiner Parra (Canel’s-Java), who was classified in 48th place.

This Saturday, December 14, the second stage of the Costa Rican round will be disputed, starting in Liberia and finishing in the Ciudad Quesada Park, with a distance of 214.5 kilometers. The successor of Juan Diego Alba, last year’s champion, will be known on December 22 in Heredia (Costa Rica).

Leaders of the Vuelta a Costa Rica Telecable, after the first stage

Stage winner: John Borstelmann – BTR Racing USA.

Points leader: John Borstelmann – BTR Racing USA.

Overall leader: John Borstelmann – BTR Racing USA.

Leader of the flying goals:  Ignacio Prado – Canel’s Java.

Mountain Leader: Bryan Salas – Costa Frut Giant AC Hotel Belén.

U23 Leader: Joseph Ramírez – CMS Prefabricados – San Carlos Hyundai.