La Ruta de los Conquistadores

Mark Lyons of Colorado was found after going missing in the first stage of the three-day race through the Costa Rican jungle.

Wells earns redemption in Playa Bonita, as Leao and Parra confirm their overall wins at La Ruta de los Conquistadores

On a stage that was changed and shortened due to a volcanic eruption, Parra extends lead and Mejia pulls back time on Leao

Pinto and Parra take charge after 58 miles of difficult racing in the Costa Rican jungle in stage one of La Ruta

The UnitedHealthcare rider is racing La Ruta to raise the profile of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases

The American talks about winning the brutal, three-day race in Costa Rica

Chris Case finds plenty of suffering at La Ruta and nearly falls to his death on the final bridge before Playa Bonita

For Durán, it was his first victory — and his first La Ruta, clinched on stage one. Mata, meanwhile, won all three stages

Alex Grant moves to second and Todd Wells dips out of contention with a flat

Mata jumps out to 36-minute lead on first day of 2013 La Ruta

La Ruta de los Conquistadores opens Thursday on Costa Rica's Pacific coast

Photos from the finale to the 2012 La Ruta de los Conquistadores

American Todd Wells finished strong but couldn't defend his 2011 title

Defending champ Wells now hopes for a stage win, but adds: "If I’m anything like yesterday or today it will be tough"

Photos from day 2 of the 2012 La Ruta de los Conquistadores

Jamie Bate snaps day one of the 2012 La Ruta de los Conquistadores in Costa Rica

American Pua Mata was having fun, but defending champ Todd Wells was finding the competition a little faster this year

Defending champion not certain a wild ride at the Langkawi stage race and a cyclocross weekend will be enough to defend title

The race from the Pacific to the Caribbean across Costa Rica starts on Thursday