The Costa Rica National Road and Time Trial Cycling Championships concluded on April 20 with the crowning of new elite champions in both men’s and women’s categories in Guanacaste province.
The event is significant for Costa Rican cycling, as it highlights the achievements of local athletes across multiple divisions. The championships bring together top cyclists from around the country to compete for national titles.
In the elite men’s road race, Sebastián Calderón of 7C Economy Hyundai secured first place after completing a challenging 180-kilometer course between Cruce de Cuajiniquil, Limonal, and Nandayure. Calderón said, “Es una alegría demasiado grande para mí y mi equipo. Todos mis compañeros trabajaron de la mejor manera y al final Dios me premió a mí y pude ganar la carrera. La camisa de campeón la llevo visualizando y soñando desde hace mucho tiempo. Ya sé cómo será el casco y la bici, y la verdad voy a disfrutarlo mucho.” He finished with a time of 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 52 seconds (4:05:52), followed by Leandro Varela (ManzaTé La Selva Scott) at 4:06:23 and Donovan Ramírez (Colono Bikestation Kölbi) at 4:06:25.
Dixiana Quesada from Team Colono Bikestation Kölbi won the elite women’s category with a time of 4:10:07 over a route covering Liberia, Limonal, and Parque de Nandayure. Quesada said in a video shared by the Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo (Fecoci), “Fue una carrera bastante peleada. Le agradezco a mis compañeros de equipo. Estoy muy feliz. El año pasado no lo logramos como equipo, aunque yo ya había sido campeona en 2024, por lo que pudimos recuperarlo este año.” Paola Chacón (Víctor Vargas) and Sharon Ramírez also finished with times of 4:10:07.
Other notable results include Yailín Gómez (ManzaTé La Selva Scott), who took first place in both the Under-23 women’s time trial and road race events; Gloriana Quesada won the elite women’s time trial; Pablo Sancho led the Under-23 men’s time trial; Donovan Ramírez topped the elite men’s time trial; Óscar Arroyo was first in Under-23 men’s road race; while Naomy Vargas placed second behind Gómez in Under-23 women’s road race.
The championships offered opportunities for riders across different age groups to showcase their skills on demanding courses under challenging conditions such as heat and wind.
