Although La Ruta is an individual 4 day race retracing the route of Spanish explorer Juan De Cavallon, the experience is much more fullfilling if tackled as a team. Team MonaVie-Cannondale demonstrated the greatest team performance in the 17 year history of La Ruta and along the way enhanced the experience of each individual rider.

Alex Grant 2nd Overall Open: We have known for a long time that Alex has what it takes to be one of the best mountain bike stage racers in the world. 2nd place overall at La Ruta and possibly the best performance by an American in the races 17 year history is only the beginning! His easy going nature and attention to detail help him thrive when the going gets tough and definitely are qualities that helped him conquer La Ruta and raise the level of the team!

 Jeremiah Bishop 5th Overall Open: This is JB’s 3rd La Ruta experience, and although he had some bad luck with navigation and mechanical issues it was definitely his best. He came back this year with the goal of exercising the demons that have haunted him since his life threatening crash on stage 3 in 2006. This year he used his interntaional racing experience to raise the level of his teammates and with better luck  would have won stage 3 and stage 4. Most importantly he was able to descend the 10,000 foot volcano in the pouring rain, safely crossing the finish line,  and conquering his own “La Ruta.”

Ben Sonntag 7th Overall Open: The German diesel started La Ruta with some serious  bad luck. On day one he broke off his rear derailleur while trudging through the thick jungle mud, requiring him to run 8km to the nearest feed zone. On day 2 he threw his chain into the spokes requiring a major disassembly.  Anyone else would have caved under this kind disappointment but not the “The German”, he thrived andwent on to ride himself back into the front of the race finishing each stage in the top 10. Then after completing “The hardest mountain bike race in the world” he went on to shatter the cyclingdirt.org “Sit Up Challenge.”

Bart Gillespie 10th Overall Open: In 2007 Bart experienced some bitter disappointment after sustaining a knee injury during stage 1 that would not allow him to continue the race. His primary focus this year was to ride safe, get to the finish, and support his rock star teammates. As a “working man”  he often finds it difficult to compete with the horse power of the highest level competitor, but once again he proved that smooth and consistent riding pays off and he was able to round out the top 10 while helping to raise his teammates to an even higher level.

 Bryan Alders 16th Overall Open: Two days prior to the start of La Ruta Bryan was called by the team director with a request that would forever change his life. The member of the team that was originally scheduled to race had come down with the Flu and Bryan was needed to fill in at the last minute. Despite Bryan’s lack of preparation for the grueling race his enthusiasm for adventure never faltered and he demonstrated an “off the couch” endurance seldom seen in someone so young.  Bryan will surely be one to watch in La Ruta’s of the future!

Tinker Juarez: You know a guy loves bike racing when he gets back in the saddle day after day even though he is no longer in contention for the overall prize. Tinker had a navigational disaster on day 2 that combined a couple of flats made it so he could not complete the stage and be considered in the overall classification. Tinker did not sulk very long and bright and early the next morning Tinker went on the attack up the 2 hour Irazu Volcano climb and demonstrated his passion for racing while putting on a show for his fans. After all the years and all the races Tinkers passion has never been stronger and I can garuntee,  no one signs more autographs!

Matt Ohran: What does it take to organize a team of 7 riders to conquer the hardest mountain bike race in the world.  You better ask the director because until now no one has ever put together the logistics needed to make a team assault on La Ruta. Matt also competed himself but encountered some knee trouble on Stage 3 requiring an early withdrawal. Despite this dissapointment he remained positive as he knows his example is followed closely by his team.

Off course a team is only as good as it’s support and gear, and Team MonaVie-Cannondale has some of the best. Jazier our Costa Rican insider was crucial to understanding the details of the race and also helped keep Engin (mechanic) from getting lost in the jungle. Unfortanelty he was not able to help Engin with the driving and they found themselves flailing off the road into a field, don’t worry no one was hurt.

Due to the insane amount of climbing, most competitors come to La Ruta with a hardtail mountain bike. Team Monavie-Cannondale chose the Cannondale Scalpel full suspension as it’s weapon of choice and could not have been more pleased with it’s performance and durability.  It gives up nothing on the climbs due to it’s light weight and full lockout but has a decisive advantage on the rough downhills and miles of rough railroad tracks. Combined with Stan’s wheels and Kenda tires it has proven to be the ultimate La Ruta bike!

So  Team MonaVie-Cannondale has conquered La Ruta, what now?

Were going to make a difference!

Please stay tuned as we roll out the Costa Rican Coffee contest which will raise funds for the San Jose Children’s Cancer Shelter and provide you with an opportunity to join the Team next year in conquering La Ruta de los Conquistadors, the “hardest mountain bike race in the world.”

And then when the going gets tough you just have to remember these big brown eyes…

Full story with pictures and video in the coming days. Time for bed and more travel tomorrow.

Stage 3 was the best yet for Team Monavie-Cannondale. We placed 4 guys in the top 5. Unfortunately we had a few incidents that put the top spot out of reach but tomorrow is another day and we will have another shot at the win!

Going into stage 4 we are looking good in the Open GC with Alex in 3rd, Jeremiah 4th, Ben 8th, Bart 12th, and Bryan 29th. Lets see what tomorrow brings…

Check out cyclingdirt.org for more videos and race footage.

Again, don’t forget to check cyclingdirt.com for full race coverage and behind the scenes La Ruta footage.

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

Check out Cyclingdirt.org for more La Ruta coverage including rider interviews, race footage, an behind the scenes action.

A little reconnaissance of the 1st climb revealed just what we remember from last time, lots of time in the 22/34!

The bikes are dialed and ready for a 5am start time. Things went fairly smooth today and, Engin our Turkish mechanic even got out for a little surf time. He’s smiling now but lets see what 7 bikes and 4 days of La Ruta do for his morale.

 Team Monavie-Cannondale had the humbling experience of visiting  a shelter for children with cancer. It is located directly across from the hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica and serves as a home away from home for children and their families that can’t afford lodging during treatment. 

Cycling Videos on CyclingDirt

 In the coming year Team Monavie-Cannondale will embark on a mission of raising money for the shelter and these kids. Next year when we return to La Ruta we will not only bring hats and t-shirts but will bring the financial resources to help additional children. 

Please check back for the unveiling of the contest to raise money for this Shelter by selling Tinker’s blend of organic free trade Costa Rican Coffee. You will not only have the chance to enjoy Tinker’s favorite coffee blend at a great value but will also have the opportunity to win a free trip to race La Ruta in 2010, visit the shelter to present the proceeds from the coffee sales, and have your heart melted by the smiles of these children.

stay tuned….

Bart in Emv colored footie pajamas!

pics by MTBracenews.com

Portland Cross:

Sue in the marching band?

Durango Night Cross:

Mrs Sontagg where is your bike?

All the fun and games of Halloween will be put aside as the team embarkes on some serious racing.  Sue heads to France for 3rd round Cyclocross World Cup while Bart, Alex, Ben, Tinker, Jeremiah, and Matt travel to Costa Rica for the Hardest Mountain Bike Race in the World, La Ruta de los Conquistadors.  Check back for updates…

Traveling to different countries and experiencing new cultures is often an education in contrast. As Team Monavie-Cannondale traveled from  the “new world” in Sao Paulo to the “old world” in Ouro Preto that contrast was front and center.

Lodging in Sao Paulo:  High Rise!

Lodging in Ouro Preto:  18th Century!

Roads in Sao Paulo:  Busy!

Roads in Ouro Preto:   Cobbles!

Media in Sao Paulo:  ESPN Brazil!

Media in Ouro Preto:  Local tv and radio!

Food in Sao Paulo:  Rodizio!

Food in Ouro Preto:  Wood Fired!

Buildings in Sao Paulo:  New!

Buildings  in Ouro Preto:  Classic!

Worlds may be different but two things always remain the same.  Racing is hard and the people define the experience!

The Racing:

In it’s 17th year Iron Biker Brasil is the largest and most competitive mountain bike race in Brazil and likely all of South America. Like the Leadville 100 in the United States, Iron Biker Brasil not only draws top competition but also has developed a cult like following among the thousands of  amateur cyclists that compete year after year.

Stage 1 consisted of an 80k loop starting and finishing in Ouro Preto with over 8000 feet of elevation gain. The race started in the town square and immediately ascended the side of a steep mountain, in a different direction than we pre rode! Gotta love the language barrier. The race was also reported to have a “neutral” start out of town, which if you have done The Leadville 100 or other big US races you understand to mean a safe pace on pavement and a chance to get warmed up. Not so in South America, “neutral” just means you can’t pass the lead moto which in this case happens to be a 450cc KTM throttled wide open up a 20% grade, not very neutral and no chance to warm up!

This is exactly what Team Monavie-Cannondale loves about racing in foreign territory, uncontrolled variables!

Once underway the race was a blast, alternating between steep climbs and twisty descents. The views were incredible and the heavy rains from the day before left some slick mud and picturesque fog.

Team Monavie-Cannondale put in there best effort after some challenging travel days, but as expected were not able to topple the top Brazilians in there home race. Tinker and Alex chased the front group all day and finished a strong 5th and 6th.  Bart found himself in no mans land riding solo through the field up into 8th until coming unglued with dehydration and cramps 4km from the finish where he rolled in 10th. Matt had challenging day that included a near deadly encounter with a swarm of black Brazilian wasps and a healthy sized bonk of his own.

Day 2 started in the neighbooringtown of Mariana and was only 50km. What it lacked in length it made up for in speed! Again we got to experience the South American “neutral” start as 1000 racers jetted through the cobbled streets of downtown Mariana towards the first big climb. Again the Monavie-Cannondale boys were caught out at the start not knowing the sprint to the singletrack. They chased hard all day through sloppy jungle singletrack, lava field power climbs, high speed rail trail, cobbled village roads, to a mud bog finish. Tinker, Alex, and Bart would all unknowingly ride the entire route with about 1 minute between them, great team work huh! Matt was on fire on day 2, and with now major bug encounters was able to finish strong in the tough Elite field.

Racers gather at the square…

Nervous on the start line…

Steep climbs…

More steep climbs…

The Brazilians put on a clinic on there home turf taking the top 5 spots overall.

The People:

“Epic Racing Around The World” is as much about making friends as it is about challenging events.  At Iron Biker Brasil we made a ton of friends!

A huge thanks to Marucio, Eduardo, and Douglas from Monavie Brazil Corporate, these guys are friends for life.

Pedro and R3Global put together the nuts and bolts of our operation in Ouro Preto and Mirinas including the man power to set up the Emv compound,

the Jujitsu specialists for security,

the bike washers,

the enthusiasm,

and the public relation specialists.

We also got to know Gil and the Iron Biker Crew, Fred and the Movida rental car crew, fellow competitors, and hundreds of very friendly Brazilian cycling enthusiasts!

Friendships and memories that will last forever, or at least until we come back next year for more…