Unique Features

The race is divided into stages, which gives the competitor a chance to recover between each stage. There are also two acclimatization days before the race.

The proposed programme for 2005 was as follows:

9th August: Departure from Roissy, Charles de Gaulle airport. Arrival San Jose airport late afternoon. Transfer to Turrialba.

10th August: Acclimatization day. Transfer to Bajo Pacuare

11th August: Second acclimatization day.

12th August: Stage 1 25km. Bajo Pacuare/Bajo Pacuare (loop)

13th August: Stage 2 43km. Bajo Pacuare/Moravia (loop). Dinner and night at Moravia.

14th August : Stage 3 28km. Moravia/Chirripo Abajo / Moravia (loop)Dinner and night at Moravia.

15th August; stage 4 25km.Moravia/Thuis Dinner and Night at Turrialba

16th August: Stage 5 35km. Ascent of Turialba Volcano (3329m). Transfer and night at Turialba.

17th August: Transfer to the Pacific Coast.

18th August : Stage 6 43km Pacific Coast.

19th August: Stage 7 25km - Night in hotel.

20th August: Free day, lunch is at competitors own expense. Dinner, prize-giving, night in an hotel.

21st August: Transfer to San Jose airport for an arrival in Paris am on 22nd August.
This 2006 schedule will follow the same format.