For athletes thinking about competing in the full or sprint version of XTERRA Costa Rica, Pura Vida Ride is preparing something especially useful: a Mountain Bike Technique Clinic taking place on June 26, 27, and 28. The clinic is designed for intermediate riders, as well as riders who are used to road cycling but have less experience navigating curves, terrain changes, and technical sections on a mountain bike.
For those considering the full or sprint triathlon, mountain biking is possibly the most technical of the three disciplines in an off road triathlon. It can also be one of the hardest to practice in other places or settings. Training on the trails at Las Catalinas, where XTERRA Costa Rica will take place, gives athletes the opportunity to receive useful tips, understand the route, get familiar with the terrain, and build confidence before race weekend.
During the clinic, athletes will work on key mountain biking skills such as stability and balance, use of controls, braking, reading the terrain, choosing lines, direction and control, pressure control, timing, and coordination. A special focus will be placed on cornering and pumping, two skills that help riders move through the trails with more speed, efficiency, and confidence.
The sessions will move step by step, beginning with the foundation of good riding position and control before taking those skills into more specific trail situations. Riders will practice first in a controlled setting and then apply what they learn on the trails, the same natural environment where XTERRA Costa Rica takes place.
The clinic will be led by Emanuel Miranda, a local guide and mechanic at Pura Vida Ride, as well as an Enduro MTB and Downhill MTB athlete. Emanuel is also a certified intermediate level MTB coach by the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches. His experience includes several national and regional results, including second place in Copa Avimil 2025 in the Pre Elite category, third in the 2022 national Avimil ranking in the Elite Male category, national downhill championships in 2020 and 2021 in the rigid category, and fifth place in the Enduro World Series Costa Rica qualifier. Last year, he also placed third in the 20 to 29 age category in the full triathlon at XTERRA Costa Rica 2025, even though it was his first time competing in a full triathlon.
The trail system in Las Catalinas is designed for mountain biking, which is part of what makes the XTERRA Costa Rica course so memorable. It is also why proper technique matters. Without proper form, it can be difficult for athletes to fully use their physical potential on the trails. With better technique, riders can learn how to flow more naturally, maintain rhythm and momentum, and spend less energy throughout the bike section.
For anyone still thinking about signing up for XTERRA Costa Rica, this clinic might be the final push they need to feel more prepared for the race. Whether the goal is to compete, improve, or simply feel more comfortable on the bike, this is a chance to build confidence before race weekend and train with someone who knows both the trails and the race experience from the inside.
The Mountain Bike Technique Clinic will take place at Pura Vida Ride Las Catalinas and costs $300 per person. Those interested in participating are encouraged to reserve their spot soon through Pura Vida Ride’s Instagram or by visiting the store in person. For more information about how to participate, email contact@puravideride.com or call +506 8584 6045. Tell your family and friends, and get ready for three days of adventure, sport, and fun.