Richard Carapaz Ready to Scale New Heights in 2024
Richard Carapaz isn’t satisfied with his first year at EF Education-EasyPost, and he’s already looking ahead to the 2024 Tour de France with renewed determination.
∘ Carapaz Returns to Hunt Yellow Jersey in 2024 Tour de France
∘ Challenges Ahead for Richard Carapaz
∘ Richard Carapaz: A Cycling History of Climbing Triumphs
∘ Early Beginnings
∘ Professional Debut and Rise to Stardom
∘ Giro d’Italia Glory and Olympic Gold
∘ Tour de France Podium and Beyond
∘ Carapaz’s Legacy and Impact
Carapaz Returns to Hunt Yellow Jersey in 2024 Tour de France
Carapaz Sets His Sights on the Tour de France General Classification in 2024 The Ecuadorian climber, who finished third in the 2021 Tour, admits his 2023 season fell short of expectations. “It wasn’t the year I had hoped for,” he acknowledges.
But Carapaz isn’t dwelling on the past. He’s focused on the future, and that future includes a renewed assault on the Tour de France general classification.
“I want to try again for the general classification,” he declares. “The Tour is the biggest race in the world, and I want to be there fighting for the podium.”
Carapaz believes his experience and talent can make him a contender in 2024. “If I have good legs, I can get a good result in the general classification,” he says confidently.
He’s also motivated by the changes at EF Education-EasyPost, which has brought in new riders and staff to support its GC ambitions. “The team is building something special,” Carapaz says. “I believe in this project, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Challenges Ahead for Richard Carapaz
However, Carapaz faces several challenges on his road to Tour de France glory. The competition will be fierce, with Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard likely to be at the forefront again. He’ll also need to adapt to a new team and a new racing strategy.
But Carapaz is a seasoned pro, and he’s not afraid of a challenge. He’s determined to prove that he can still be a force to be reckoned with at the Tour de France.
Richard Carapaz: A Cycling History of Climbing Triumphs
Richard Carapaz, the “Locomotora del Carchi,” is an Ecuadorian cyclist who has carved his name into the history books with his incredible climbing prowess and strategic brilliance. Here’s a glimpse into his cycling journey:
Early Beginnings
- Born in 1993 in the small town of Playa Alta, Ecuador.
- Discovered cycling at a young age through a local club founded by a former professional cyclist.
- Honed his climbing skills on the challenging Andean terrain.
Professional Debut and Rise to Stardom
- Turned professional in 2013 with the Ecuadorian team LCC-Banco del Austro.
- Joined Movistar Team in 2018, marking his arrival on the world stage.
- Announced his presence with a bang, winning the Vuelta a Asturias and a stage at the Giro d’Italia, becoming the first Ecuadorian to achieve both feats.
- Finished fourth in the 2019 Giro d’Italia, solidifying his reputation as a climbing talent.
Giro d’Italia Glory and Olympic Gold
- 2019 marked Carapaz’s crowning achievement — winning the Giro d’Italia. He became the first Ecuadorian and only the second South American rider to conquer the prestigious race.
- His intelligent racing, attacking at the right moments, and relentless climbing earned him the nickname “The Locomotive of Carchi.”
- Continued his success in 2020, securing the gold medal in the Olympic road race, further etching his name in cycling history as Ecuador’s first Olympic medalist.
Tour de France Podium and Beyond
- 2021 saw Carapaz finish on the podium of all three Grand Tours, showcasing his versatility and consistency. He secured third place in the Tour de France, solidifying his place among the cycling elite.
- Moved to EF Education-EasyPost in 2023, aiming for even greater heights.
- While 2023 didn’t meet his initial expectations, Carapaz remains focused on the future, setting his sights on the 2024 Tour de France general classification, determined to challenge the likes of Pogacar and Vingegaard.
Carapaz’s Legacy and Impact
- Carapaz is not just a cycling champion; he’s an inspiration to aspiring athletes across Ecuador and Latin America.
- He has shown that with dedication, talent, and strategic thinking, even riders from smaller cycling nations can achieve greatness on the world stage.
- His achievements have not only brought international recognition to Ecuador but also fueled the growth of cycling in the country.
