The Volta to Catalonia It is the prelude in the battle that many platoon roosters will take on Italian turn next May. One of them is Richard Carapaz (El Carmelo, 1993), wishing to fight for a Maglia Rosa who won 2019 defending the colors of Movistar. Six years later, and as the head of the EF Education-EasyPost, Ecuadorian reviews with MD with his professional career and speaks of his future plans.
How do you deal with Volta in Catalonia?
I’m pretty motivation, it’s a career I like a lot. I think the preparation is indicated and I want to try to do the best possible outcomes. I hope to be with the best. If we could fight the general until Montjuic day, it would be great.
You measure rivals like Ayuso, Roglic or Landa, which will be in turn too
There is a very high level, with most runners doing the same path to me. This is a very important career for my preparation.
You won the turn in 2019 and you always acknowledge that this is a very special race for you
I enjoy a lot, I like it. This is the first race as a runner I met and my first win. He always caught my attention and I think I have a special connection. We want to do our best this year.
How has cycling changed since you started?
There are important changes. Now cycling is more professional in all aspects. Nutrition and recovery time has also improved. Runners are getting better with all races and not just big laps. In addition, the classification of UCI points causes everything. It is faster and the level increases incredibly.
Runners like Pogacar, Vingegaard, EvenEPOEL … Do you put the calendar preparation? And the career approach?
I can’t imagine. At the beginning of the year no one knows what career they will be participating in. You know that when one of them is a competition it is higher. Then, in the racing, all teams tried to follow a plan and their existence was complicated by options to win.
How did you live the exit of ineos and your arrival in EF Education-EasyPost?
I liked this ineos, but the team decided not to renew me. We end up well and now we have a very good relationship. The sponsor didn’t want him to go ahead and that was it. I have the option to go here, on a team that always caught my attention. It’s like a family and we have goals in common, because I always wish to fight for a general again and they support me.
You end the contract after three years, would you like to proceed with EF Education-EasyPost?
I want to end here my career as an athlete. My desire is to move on and I hope it is.
During the French tour of 2023 you suffered in the second phase that forced you to leave. How do you deal with bad times?
This sport is very high at risk. Whenever it is faster and if you have a fall you know you will not be fine. You spend a lot of time in preparation, up to five or six months, and it’s very difficult for something like this. For us it is very difficult to spin this situation. In the first year at EF I fell a lot, but the team knew me to support and it was something I appreciate.
Do you think the appropriate steps are being taken to reduce the risks of cyclists?
There are many things that can improve. Now many, but not too many decisions have been made. Athletes assume the risk and hope that there will be better conditions, especially with the arrival of the masses.
You are a Latin American cycling reference. Is this a pride or added pressure?
I’m happy. It’s nice that they have me as a reference. As Latino, fans such as fighting, claws and many people connected me for that.
Have you ever thought to have a career like you have?
I always dream and I work hard to achieve it. I was very proud of everything I had achieved, but I didn’t give up because I knew I still had things to do.
Do you think about the future once you retire?
I wanted to enjoy the years I had left, competing at the maximum level and trying to fight for a championship in the world or for classics, which were the careers I wanted. Then, I have a small Ecuador club dedicated to children in training to give young people a chance to live a different lifestyle and know, to reach professionals. We give them the opportunity to study and it is nice to move all the experience I have as a runner with those kids so they can take advantage of it. I hope we have more champions.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
