It was at Interbike in 2007 when Manuel Prado walked up to the CycleOps Power booth and introduced himself. He explained how he had been a top BMX rider and now wanted to become one of the best mountain bikers in the world—big talk for this sub-130-pound young man who had barely just turned pro. A few weeks later, CycleOps Power formed a partnership with this young rider from Costa Rica, and 3 days ago, in his 3rd year of competition as a professional mountain biker, Manny became the overall winner of what has been coined the hardest mountain bike race in the world: La Ruta de Los Conquistadores. So what was it about Manny that stood out back then?

Cartago, Costa Rica. Sho-Air/Specialized Manuel Prado took the Costa Rica National XCO Championship this Sunday against all local favorites. The California based racer came forward from 3rd place with only one lap to go and defeated the local favorite Federico “Lico” Ramírez (BCR-Pizza Hut-KHS) who has won 6 National tittles, including the past two titles in a row and was holding a consistent lead of 50 seconds at that point. Nevertheless, “Manny” managed to overcome Ramírez and Carballo after battling with them for more than two hours on the very technical trails of the old National Horse Race Track, located at the province of Cartago “Lico’s Hometown”, some 20 kilometers east from the capital city of San José.

from: Manuel Prado, La Ruta / Sho-Air / Economy Car Rental

7 days, 3 podium finishes and 5th overall. 4 Flat tires, 1 faulty Co2, 2 broken chains and a broken derailleur hanger: when you think about it, it is all a numbers game. But the reality is that the 2008 BC Bike Race was more than just numbers. Warm weather, plenty of fast riders, great food, awesome times with new and old friends, the best singletrack in the world along some of the best scenery Canada has to offer. This is what makes this race one of the best stage races out there.

by Manuel Prado Team Sho-Air / Rock N’ Road Cyclery.

Pacing yourself is a phrase many of us have heard many times before a race; it is hard, however, in a mountain bike race to pace yourself well. The start of a cross country race is probably the hardest part of it; once everybody settles into rhythm, then that is when pacing well comes into play. With my new PowerTap Disc Brake Hub, I was able to pace myself perfectly.

The Idyllwild Spring Challenge took place the first weekend of May in the San Jacinto Mountains in Southern California. At 5500 feet all racers had to be a little careful on how they spent their energy. I decided to start a little slower and let the other riders set the pace. Up until mile 17 Chuck Jenkins from Cytomax-KHS had the lead by about 30 seconds. I was making sure that the gap did not grow until the point we hit the major climb of the day (15 minutes long with a steady 18% degree grade). That is where I knew that I could get the most out of my effort.