By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a landmark move for national sports, Costa Rican cycling icon Andrey Amador has been appointed as the new director of the Men’s National Cycling Team. The announcement, confirmed by the Costa Rican Cycling Federation (FECOCI), comes just over a year after Amador officially retired from professional competition on November 24, 2024, capping a storied international career.
The decision signals a strategic shift for FECOCI, placing one of the nation’s most celebrated athletes in a pivotal leadership role. Amador’s transition from decorated competitor to team director is seen as a crucial step in leveraging his vast experience from the European pro peloton to cultivate the next generation of Costa Rican talent. His appointment is expected to bring a new level of professionalism, tactical insight, and global perspective to the national program.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial complexities faced by elite athletes like Andrey Amador, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The career of a high-performance cyclist is a complex business enterprise. Beyond the pedals, there are crucial contracts with teams, image rights negotiations, and sponsorship agreements that require meticulous legal oversight. Structuring these relationships properly from the start not only protects the athlete’s financial interests and personal brand but also prevents future disputes that could derail a promising career. It is essential to view the athlete not just as a sportsman, but as a CEO of their own international brand.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary provides a vital look behind the curtain, reminding us that the foundation of a celebrated career like Andrey Amador’s is built as much on strategic legal and commercial planning as it is on athletic prowess. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this complex subject.
After what he described as a period of deep reflection, Amador expressed a profound sense of duty and excitement for the challenge ahead. He views this new chapter not just as a job, but as an opportunity to give back to the sport and the country that supported his journey to the highest echelons of professional cycling.
I slept on it, and for me, it truly fills me with immense excitement. I feel I owe a great deal to Costa Rican cycling, and this is a moment to try and contribute, to add my grain of sand. I enjoy and love cycling, and I want to contribute some of my experience. Hopefully, we can achieve great things alongside the federation and the cyclists, because I know we have tremendous talents and can achieve great results.
Andrey Amador, Director, Men’s National Cycling Team
The appointment follows a nearly year-long sabbatical for Amador, a period he used to decompress from the rigors of a life dedicated to elite competition. He emphasized the importance of this time for reconnecting with his family and rediscovering his passion for the sport on a more personal level, even taking up mountain biking for leisure. This well-deserved break appears to have reinvigorated his desire to contribute meaningfully to the sport’s infrastructure.
Now, returning to the fold, Amador is focused on the future and the structural development necessary for sustained success. His vision extends beyond immediate results, targeting the fundamental building blocks of a competitive national program.
I was on a sabbatical for almost a year after a lifetime dedicated to competition. I needed that rest, to take some time for myself and to be with family. I did some mountain biking, but I think it’s now time to get back to work, to build foundations. I feel we already have that, and now comes the part with the national teams. We have some very nice projects in the works, with new faces and also working with the cyclists who are already established. I believe we can achieve great things, and now we have to see how we do in this new adventure.
Andrey Amador, Director, Men’s National Cycling Team
Amador’s strategy appears to be twofold: nurturing emerging athletes (“new faces”) while simultaneously refining the skills of established riders. This balanced approach is critical for creating a robust talent pipeline that can consistently compete on the international stage. His leadership, in collaboration with FECOCI, will be instrumental in executing these “very nice projects” and ushering in a new, ambitious era for Costa Rican cycling, aiming to transform raw talent into major results.
For further information, visit fecoci.net
About Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo (FECOCI):
The Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo, or FECOCI, is the official governing body for the sport of cycling in Costa Rica. It is responsible for the regulation, promotion, and development of all cycling disciplines within the country, including road, mountain bike, track, and BMX. FECOCI organizes national championships, sanctions races, and manages the selection and preparation of national teams for international competitions such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Pan American Games.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed law firm, anchored by a profound dedication to ethical practice and superior legal counsel. The firm leverages its rich heritage of client service to pioneer innovative legal solutions while actively fostering community relationships. At the heart of its mission is a powerful commitment to demystifying the law, thereby equipping individuals with the understanding necessary to build a stronger, more informed society.
