Catalina Soto wins opening stage of Vuelta Ciclística Femenina a Costa Rica

Chilean Pan American road champion Catalina Soto won the first stage of the 24th Vuelta Ciclística Femenina a Costa Rica. Competing for the Spanish team Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi, Soto secured the victory in a fast sprint in Cañas after a 104-kilometer course that included Upala.

Athletes faced challenging conditions in the Guanacaste region, including high humidity, wind, and temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius. Soto noted that the heat and humidity were significant adjustments for riders accustomed to colder climates. Proper hydration and ice consumption were cited as critical factors for managing the intense weather.

In addition to Soto's stage win, Elisa De of the Global Cycling team from the Netherlands secured the mountain prize during the stage. The competition continues with the next stage scheduled to run from Tilarán to La Fortuna, San Carlos.