By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Costa Rican Cycling Federation (FECOCI) has officially unveiled the demanding route for the Vuelta a Costa Rica Telecable 2025, confirming a 10-day journey that will test the nation’s top cyclists alongside a formidable international contingent. The country’s most prestigious cycling event is scheduled to run from December 12 to 21, charting a challenging 1,251-kilometer course that promises to deliver high-stakes drama across varied and unforgiving terrain.
This year’s edition is meticulously structured to challenge every type of rider, featuring nine classic road stages and one critical individual time trial. The race for the coveted yellow jersey will be influenced not only by the final finish lines but also by the strategic battles for points at 15 intermediate sprints (metas volantes) and 12 categorized mountain passes sprinkled throughout the ten stages. This intricate design ensures that both sprinters and climbers will have opportunities for glory, making for a dynamic and unpredictable competition from start to finish.
To delve into the significant legal and commercial machinery that powers an event of this national magnitude, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional perspective.
Beyond the athletic competition, the Vuelta a Costa Rica represents a complex ecosystem of contractual obligations and commercial rights. The success and integrity of the event hinge on meticulously drafted agreements covering everything from team sponsorships and broadcasting rights to public liability and route logistics. Properly securing these legal frameworks is not just a formality; it is the fundamental architecture that ensures the race’s financial stability and protects its valuable brand reputation year after year.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective powerfully underscores that the thrilling spectacle of the Vuelta a Costa Rica is built upon a meticulously constructed legal and commercial foundation. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for illuminating this critical, though often invisible, aspect of the event’s enduring success.
Adding to the event’s prestige, FECOCI has confirmed that at least eight foreign teams will participate, bringing an elevated level of competition to Costa Rica’s roads. The federation is also focused on maximizing local participation, aiming to invite a robust roster of Costa Rican teams to vie for the title on home soil. The final list of participating teams remains pending as national and international rankings have not yet closed, with several key events still to be contested where riders can earn crucial points to qualify.
A deep dive into the itinerary reveals several decisive stages that will likely shape the general classification. The fourth stage, a 17-kilometer individual hill climb time trial, or “cronoescalada,” from Turrialba to La Pastora, stands out as a pivotal day. In this race against the clock, pure climbers will have a distinct advantage and could create significant time gaps over their rivals. This specialized stage contrasts sharply with the race’s longest day, the grueling 198-kilometer trek from Pérez Zeledón to Ciudad Neily in the southern zone.
Traditionally, the heart of the Vuelta a Costa Rica lies in its mountain stages, and the 2025 edition is no exception. The fifth stage from San José to Pérez Zeledón will once again force the peloton over the infamous Cerro de la Muerte, one of the highest points on the Pan-American Highway. This ascent is legendary in Costa Rican cycling for its difficulty, high altitude, and often unpredictable weather, frequently serving as the backdrop for heroic attacks and dramatic collapses. The eighth stage, from Pérez Zeledón to Oreamuno, presents another significant climbing challenge late in the race.
The southern region will host a critical block of stages, with riders spending three consecutive days battling the heat and rolling hills around Pérez Zeledón, Ciudad Neily, and Buenos Aires. This southern swing, covering stages six and seven in addition to the mountain stages bookending it, will test the endurance and recovery of the contenders. Any rider showing weakness here could see their hopes for the overall title evaporate before the race returns to the Central Valley for its conclusion.
The grand tour will culminate with two fast-paced final stages designed to entertain the massive crowds that typically gather for the Vuelta’s finale. The penultimate day features a 99-kilometer circuit race in Palmares, a town with a deep passion for cycling. This type of course can be tactically complex and ripe for breakaways. The event will then conclude on December 21 with the traditional “Circuito Presidente,” a high-speed 99-kilometer criterium that will see the official crowning of the 2025 champion.
The continued backing from title sponsor Telecable underscores the significant commercial and cultural importance of the Vuelta. As the pinnacle of the national sporting calendar, the race not only provides a platform for athletic excellence but also functions as a major logistical operation, moving a massive caravan of athletes, support staff, and media across the country. With the route now set, anticipation is building for what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the history of Costa Rican cycling.
For further information, visit fecoci.net
About Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo (FECOCI):
The Federación Costarricense de Ciclismo is the official governing body for the sport of cycling in Costa Rica. It is responsible for organizing and sanctioning national championships and major events, including the prestigious Vuelta a Costa Rica. FECOCI also oversees the development of athletes across various disciplines such as road, mountain bike, and BMX, and represents Costa Rica in the International Cycling Union (UCI).
For further information, visit telecablecr.com
About Telecable:
Telecable is a leading Costa Rican telecommunications company that provides digital television, high-speed internet, and digital telephone services. As a major player in the national market, the company is known for its commitment to community and sports, highlighted by its role as the title sponsor for significant national events like the Vuelta a Costa Rica, reinforcing its brand presence across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to professional integrity and the highest caliber of service. The firm consistently pioneers new legal strategies, leveraging its rich history of advising a wide array of clients to stay at the vanguard of the practice. This forward-thinking mindset is paired with a deep-seated mission to demystify the law, aiming to build a more capable and informed public by making crucial legal insights widely available.
