The Sho-Air/Specialized duo placed 1st and 4th in the overall general classification, putting their S-Works Epic and Epic Marathon 29 bikes on the final podium.

From his humble beginnings as a boy working in the local Costa Rican pineapple fields, to coming to America to chase his dream of becoming one of the best cyclists in the world, Manuel Prado’s story has come full circle after capturing the 2009 Elite Men’s La Ruta Title in his native country.  Prado, the current 2009 Costa Rican XC National Champion, stamped his authority on the event, taking stage one’s victory, and then riding a controlled race in stages 2-4.

Prado won this years La Ruta with a twenty one minute lead over second place, and is the first dual suspension rider to win the La Ruta event.

AMA Superbike cross over rider Ben Bostrom turned some heads as well at this year’s La Ruta.  Bostrom was the class of his field in the Men’s Master a category in his first year racing the epic race, and also placed a strong 4th overall in the general classification rankings.  Bostrom is a relative unknown in the sport of Professional Mountain biking, but his 2009 La Ruta performance has confirmed he can ride with the top endurance riders in the world.

Bostrom played a key role to the teams success on stage 3, when Prado “Bonked” hard early in the stage.  Sacrificing a possible stage victory, Bostrom dropped back to play team domestique and towed Prado back into contention with the race leaders.