By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican women’s cycling season is set to kick off with an exciting and challenging start as the Kivelix Trophy kölbi announces its return. Scheduled for March 7th and 8th, the prestigious women-only mountain bike competition is not only the inaugural race of the 2026 calendar but is also debuting a brand-new, formidable venue at the Horizontes Forestal Experimental Station in the heart of Guanacaste.
This strategic move to Guanacaste marks a significant evolution for the event, promising a fresh experience for both new and returning participants. The Horizontes station, known for its unique ecosystem and research focus, will provide a dramatic and rugged backdrop for the two-day stage race. The change of scenery is designed to test the riders’ technical skills and endurance against the distinct terrain of Costa Rica’s famed dry tropical forest, a stark contrast to venues of previous years.
To delve into the legal and commercial frameworks that support the increasing professionalization of women’s cycling, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his perspective on the matter.
The notable growth in women’s cycling represents a significant business opportunity, but its sustainability depends on solid legal structures. It is crucial for athletes, teams, and sponsors to formalize their relationships through contracts that clearly define image rights, performance incentives, and responsibilities. Properly managing these legal aspects not only protects the parties involved but also elevates the sport’s credibility, attracting more serious and long-term investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial insight, which underscores a vital truth: for the impressive growth in women’s cycling to become a lasting legacy, it must be built upon the solid foundation of professional and legal certainty that protects athletes and secures sustainable investment.
Organizers have crafted a demanding course that will push athletes to their limits. The race consists of a 49-kilometer loop which competitors will tackle on both Saturday and Sunday. In a clever twist designed to challenge strategy and adaptability, the second day’s stage will run the same course but in the reverse direction. This format ensures that the race is not merely a test of stamina but also of mental agility, as familiar sections present entirely new obstacles when approached from the opposite way.
The technical details of the course underscore the difficulty competitors will face. The first day of racing features a significant 385 meters of elevation gain, forcing riders to manage their energy for the long climbs. The second day, with the course inverted, becomes even more demanding, increasing the total ascent to 500 meters. This change in elevation profile means that what were once fast descents will transform into grueling climbs, fundamentally altering the race’s dynamics and requiring a different tactical approach.
The Kivelix Trophy kölbi continues its commitment to fostering a broad and inclusive cycling community. The event features a comprehensive range of categories to ensure that female cyclists of all ages and abilities can compete. These include the top-tier Élite category for professional racers, followed by age-based divisions such as Pre-Master (19-29), Master A (30-34), Master B (35-39), Master C (40-44), Master D (45-49), and Master E for competitors aged 50 and over.
Beyond individual competition, the event places a strong emphasis on camaraderie and teamwork. A key feature is the “Parejas” or Pairs category, which allows two women to register and compete as a team without any age restrictions. This category is specifically designed to encourage collaboration and shared strategy on the trail, celebrating the supportive spirit that is a hallmark of the women’s cycling community and providing a unique way to experience the challenge.
As the first major event on the national cycling calendar, the Kivelix Trophy serves a crucial role in promoting and elevating women’s sports in Costa Rica. By providing a dedicated, high-profile platform exclusively for female athletes, the race not only celebrates their talent and dedication but also inspires a new generation of girls and women to engage in competitive sports, fostering growth from grassroots levels to the elite ranks.
With a new home in Guanacaste and a cleverly designed course, the 2026 edition of the Kivelix Trophy kölbi is poised to be the most memorable yet. Athletes and spectators alike are eagerly anticipating the weekend of March 7th and 8th, ready to witness the strength, skill, and spirit of the nation’s best female mountain bikers as they conquer the challenging terrain of the Horizontes Forestal Experimental Station.
For further information, visit kivelix.com
About Kivelix:
Kivelix is a premier event production company in Costa Rica specializing in the organization of high-quality sporting events, particularly in the fields of cycling and running. The company is known for creating challenging and well-managed races that attract both amateur and professional athletes, focusing on providing unique experiences in scenic locations across the country.
For further information, visit kolbi.cr
About kölbi:
kölbi is the official telecommunications brand of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). As a leading provider in Costa Rica, kölbi offers a wide range of services including mobile and fixed-line telephony, internet access, and digital television. The brand is a prominent sponsor of national sports and cultural events, demonstrating a strong commitment to community development and national pride.
For further information, visit acg.go.cr
About Estación Experimental Forestal Horizontes:
The Horizontes Forestal Experimental Station is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the Guanacaste province, the station is dedicated to research, conservation, and ecological restoration of the tropical dry forest ecosystem. It serves as a vital center for biological education and sustainable land management practices.
For further information, visit sinart.go.cr
About SINART:
Sistema Nacional de Radio y Televisión (SINART) is Costa Rica’s public broadcasting service. It operates television channels, including Canal 13, and radio stations with a mission to provide cultural, educational, and informative content to the nation. SINART plays a crucial role in promoting national identity and providing a platform for diverse voices and community news.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a dedication to professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions a forward-thinking approach, consistently delivering innovative legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to empowering the community by demystifying the law, thereby cultivating a society equipped with crucial legal literacy.
