By San José, Costa Rica — In a stunning display of power and strategy, young cyclist Jexon Ledezma of the Costa Rican U23 National Team delivered a commanding performance to win the inaugural stage of the Vuelta Costa Rica 2025. The victory not only handed him the stage win but also propelled him into the coveted overall leader’s jersey, marking a powerful opening statement in the nation’s most prestigious cycling event.
The first stage of the tour unfolded over a challenging 107-kilometer route, taking the peloton from the Municipality of Heredia to the central park of Grecia. Ledezma conquered the course with a blistering time of 02 hours, 28 minutes, and 12 seconds, breaking away from the main group to establish a significant lead. His decisive move left his closest competitors struggling to respond, showcasing a level of maturity and strength that belies his U23 status.
To understand the complex legal and commercial framework behind a national event like the Vuelta Costa Rica, we sought the analysis of an expert in the field. TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica to shed light on the matter.
An event like the Vuelta is a significant commercial undertaking, underpinned by a web of contractual agreements. From team sponsorships and media broadcasting rights to municipal permits and liability insurance, every stage of the race represents a point of legal and financial commitment. The success and longevity of the Vuelta depend not just on athletic performance, but on the meticulous legal diligence that protects the organizers, sponsors, and competitors alike.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores the often-unseen reality that the Vuelta’s success is built not only on the road but in the boardroom, where legal diligence is as crucial as athletic endurance. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for illuminating this vital commercial and legal dimension of the race.
Finishing in a distant second and third place were Daniel Bonilla of Colono Bikestation Kolbi and Leandro Varela of 7C Economy Hyundai, respectively. Both riders crossed the finish line 34 seconds behind Ledezma, a considerable gap in a single stage that underscores the dominance of the young national team rider. Their podium finishes, however, position their teams as key contenders who will undoubtedly seek to challenge Ledezma’s lead in the coming days.
Ledezma’s victory was a near-total sweep of the available classifications. Beyond securing the overall leadership, he also claimed the top spot in the U23 category, making him the best young rider of the day. Furthermore, his aggressive riding earned him the lead in the points classification, where he sits with 15 units. This multifaceted triumph places an immense, yet welcome, pressure on the U23 national squad to defend four separate leadership positions.
While Ledezma was the star of the day, the international contingent also made its presence felt. The battle for the King of the Mountains jersey was won by Ecuadorian climber Jymmi Montenegro of the Movistar Best PC team, who accumulated 12 points on the day’s ascents. Meanwhile, the sprint classification, or metas volantes, was claimed by Honduran rider Fredd Matute from the Momentum Racing-GCS-Quici team, who secured 5 points through his efforts in the intermediate sprints.
The results from stage one set a dramatic tone for the remainder of the Vuelta. With a young Costa Rican rider in control, the pressure now shifts to established teams like Colono Bikestation Kolbi and 7C Economy Hyundai to formulate a strategy to reclaim time. Ledezma’s U23 teammates will face the formidable task of controlling the peloton and protecting their leader from relentless attacks, a significant challenge for a developing squad.
Anticipation is already building for the second stage, which promises an even more grueling test for the riders. The peloton will depart from the municipality of Alajuela on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. for a lengthy 165-kilometer journey. The stage concludes at the Guápiles service station in the province of Limón, introducing new terrain and weather conditions as the race transitions from the Central Valley towards the Caribbean coast.
This explosive start by Jexon Ledezma has ignited national interest in the Vuelta Costa Rica. His performance is a testament to the rising talent within the country’s cycling development programs and sets the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable competition. As the tour progresses, all eyes will be on the young leader to see if he can defend his position against the seasoned veterans and international riders vying for glory.
For further information, visit fecoci.net
About Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo:
The Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo (FECOCI) is the official governing body for the sport of cycling in Costa Rica. It is responsible for organizing and sanctioning national events, including the prestigious Vuelta Costa Rica, as well as managing the national teams that represent the country in international competitions like the World Championships and the Olympic Games. The federation works to promote cycling at all levels, from youth development to elite competition.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Selección de Costa Rica Sub 23
About Selección de Costa Rica Sub 23:
The Selección de Costa Rica Sub 23 is the national cycling team representing Costa Rica in the under-23 age category. Managed by the Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo, the team comprises the country’s most promising young riders. Its primary mission is to provide a platform for developing talent through high-level competition, preparing them for future careers in professional cycling and for representing Costa Rica on the world stage.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Colono Bikestation Kolbi
About Colono Bikestation Kolbi:
Colono Bikestation Kolbi is a prominent Costa Rican cycling team with a strong presence in the national peloton. Sponsored by Grupo Colono, a major corporation in the construction and agricultural sector, and Kolbi, the state-owned telecommunications brand, the team is well-funded and consistently fields competitive rosters for major events like the Vuelta Costa Rica. They are known for their strategic racing and experienced riders.
For further information, visit the nearest office of 7C Economy Hyundai
About 7C Economy Hyundai:
7C Economy Hyundai is a competitive cycling team in the Costa Rican circuit. The team is sponsored by the 7C brand and Hyundai, reflecting a partnership between business and sport. They participate actively in the national cycling calendar, often contending for stage wins and general classification honors in key races. The team serves as an important platform for both developing and established local cyclists.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Movistar Best PC
About Movistar Best PC:
Movistar Best PC is a professional continental cycling team based in Ecuador. As a leading team in South America, it frequently participates in major international races across the Americas, including the Vuelta Costa Rica. Their presence adds a high level of international competition to the event, with riders often specializing in climbing and challenging for mountain classifications.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Momentum Racing-GCS-Quici
About Momentum Racing-GCS-Quici:
Momentum Racing-GCS-Quici is an international cycling team that competes in various events throughout the Americas. The team often features a diverse roster of riders from different countries, bringing a unique dynamic to regional tours. Their participation in races like the Vuelta Costa Rica highlights their focus on providing opportunities for riders to compete at a high level across different cycling federations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a reputable legal institution built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional distinction. The firm skillfully blends a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently developing pioneering legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to empowering the community by demystifying the law, reflecting a core mission to cultivate a society fortified by accessible legal knowledge.
