Richard Carapaz is almost recovered from his stomach and intestinal infection that kept him out of the 2025 Tour de France at the last moment. The 2021 Olympic champion then focused on the Vuelta a España, but he and his team EF Education-EasyPost have decided to change his program. The 32-year-old Ecuadorian wants to make a bid for the world title in Kigali, Rwanda.
Together with the medical staff of the American team, Carapaz has decided to wait a little longer before returning to competition. That would still be a bit too soon, which could compromise his good form later this autumn. "After the illness I had, I had to stop my training several times. I could not train for more than two or three days in a row," Carapaz says in a press release from his team. He was considered a contender for the overall victory and the mountains classification in the Vuelta a España.
"Right now I am in Ecuador, where I am trying to get back to my normal training. Then I will work towards the plans that lie ahead. I am almost recovered. The new goals we have set focus on the Italian autumn classics – especially the Giro di Lombardia – and the World Championships in Rwanda. That is a special race for me because I have a great chance at the title. I want to prepare in the best possible way."
That is also why Carapaz returned to his home country. He can train at altitude, regain his motivation, and, according to him, focus one hundred percent. "Some factors play in my favor and I want to make the most of that," he adds. Carapaz has won stages in all the Grand Tours during his career, won the Giro d'Italia in 2019, and has stood on the podium in both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. A world title would be the crown on what is already a brilliant career. Contrary to what some sources claim, the Ecuadorian still has an ongoing contract with EF Education-EasyPost.
Richard CarapazNo races scheduled
Richard Carapaz| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 |
