36th Vuelta a Costa Rica - 2.5

Costa Rica, December 17-29, 2000

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Stage 9 - December 26: Cartago - Pérez Zeledón, 114 km

Ramírez wins but Lozano holds on

Costa Rican rider, Federico Ramírez (Café de Costa Rica A), recorded a win in the toughest stage of the Vuelta a Costa Rica, the 114 kilometre stage from Cartago to Pérez Zeledón. In doing so, Ramírez moved within 41 seconds of the overall lead, held by his teammate Alvaro Lozano (5th today).

The stage incorporated the 3000m Cerro de la Muerte, certain to sort out the true contenders for the race. Colombia's Jair Bernal was the first rider to try his legs in an escape. He reached the base of the mountain alone, and won both first category mountain primes. However, he was not a threat to the overall and was allowed some freedom.

On the mountain itself, the group quickly reduced to Federico Ramírez, Miguel Arroyo (Chicles Canel's Turbo), and Israel Ochoa (Adidas-Pipasa-INS-Globo) who were clearly going to fight out the stage. On the long descent into San Isidro, the three stayed together and fought out an exciting finish in front of a very appreciative crowd.

In another incident during the stage, Jair Bernal's brother, Julio (Té Frío Dos Pinos) fell with 25 kilometres to go and lost time to push him down to 6th overall.

Tomorrow's stage is the longest of the race, 203 kilometers between Perez Zeledón and Golfito.

Results

1 Federico Ramírez (CRc) Café de Costa Rica A         3.13.42
2 Miguel Arroyo (Mex) Chicles Canel's Turbo
3 Israel Ochoa (Col) Adidas-Pipasa-INS-Globo
4 Uberlino Meza (Col) Dist Kendal Accesorios		 0.03
5 Álvaro Lozano (Col) Café de Costa Rica A		 0.46

General classification after stage 9

1 Álvaro Lozano (Col) Café de Costa Rica A	     28.25.16
2 Federico Ramírez (CRc) Café de Costa Rica A		 0.41
3 Miguel Arroyo (Mex) Chicles Canel's Turbo		 1.09
4 Luis Morera (CRc) Café de Costa Rica B		 1.22
5 Pablo Araya (CRc) Adidas-Pipasa-INS-Globo		 3.55
6 Julio Bernal (Col) Té Frío Dos Pinos			 4.39
7 José A Bonilla (CRc) Café de Costa Rica A		 5.34
8 Israel Ochoa (Col) Adidas-Pipasa-INS-Globo		 6.09
9 Uberlino Meza (Col) Dis Kendal Accesorios		 8.09
10 Rolando González (CRc) Café de Costa Rica A		 8.13

Metas Volantes

1 Wendy Cruz (Dom) Adidas Pipasa INS Globo		 52 pts
2 Róbert Núñez (USA) Té Frío Dos Pinos		 	 16
3 José Montero (CRc) Adidas-Pipasa-INS-Globo		 12

Mountains

1 Federico Ramírez (CRc) Café de Costa Rica A		 37 pts
2 Israel Ochoa (Col) Adidas-Pipasa-INS-Globo		 35
3 Darwin Chulde (Ecu) Ecuador		 		 31

Teams

1 Café de Costa Rica Pizza Hut A     	     85.11.49
2 Adidas-Pipasa-INS-Globo			10.23
3 Canel's Turbo			 		20.19