Jamie Bate gallery: 2012 La Ruta de los Conquistadores, stage 1

Riders' bags are staged prior to the start of La Ruta. The 2012 20th anniversary of the race doubled to 500 riders over last year. Photo: Jamie Bate

Todd Wells lined up Thursday for his second La Ruta to defend his title from 2011. Photo: Jamie Bate

A Huey was on hand during stage 1 to shoot photos and video, and to haul away any unfortunate racers. Photo: Jamie Bate

Sonya Looney would finish her first La Ruta as the second woman to cross the line at 7:21:36. Photo: Jamie Bate

Alex Grant was relaxed prior to the start of stage 1. He finished third on the day 10 minutes off the lead. Photo: Jamie Bate

Pua Mata and Alex Grant share a laugh as they rolled to the line in new-to-them matching team kits, and with Mata riding a Cannondale rather than a Specialized. Photo: Jamie Bate

The 500-strong field readies to roll stage 1 of La Ruta on Thursday morning on the Pacific Coast. Photo: Jamie Bate

The tip of the peloton as it rolls out during the controlled start of stage 1. Photo: Jamie Bate

Todd Wells grinds out a long climb on a stretch of paved road during stage 1. Photo: J. Andres Vargas - Lead Adventure Media

Todd Wells pulls 2011 second-place finisher Rom Akerson during stage 1. Akerson was later disqualified by Costa Rica Cycling Federation officials for taking assistance outside of designated aid stations. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Defending La Ruta champ Todd Wells rides with a group on stage 1. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Pua Mata rides solo during stage 1. The La Ruta rookie was the first woman across the line and finished 16th overall on the day. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

A fairly large group of elite riders broke away from the race after the day's first nasty climb up and away from the Pacific Ocean. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

The lead group was whittled down by Paolo Montoya's wicked pace setting. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

A rider crosses the line about 68 miles after starting the day. Photo: J. Andres Vargas | Lead Adventure Media

Costa Rica's Paolo Montoya speaks to the media after winning stage 1 on Thursday by just more than 2 minutes over Todd Wells. Montoya won La Ruta in 2004. Photo: Jamie Bate

Todd Wells takes a photo with fans after the completion of stage 1 on Thursday. Photo: Jamie Bate

A line of autograph seekers awaits Todd Wells. Photo: Jamie Bate

Pua Mata was all smiles after crossing the line. Photo: Jamie Bate

Roman Urbina, left, founder of La Ruta, and Rom Akerson speak to a Costa Rica Cycling Federation official after Akerson was disqualified for accepting illegal assistance during stage 1. Akerson had finished third on the day. Photo: Jamie Bate