Carapaz pulls out of World Championships in bitter blow for Ecuador

Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) has confirmed that he will miss the upcoming World Championships in Montréal due to illness. 

In a statement posted to social media on Saturday, Carapaz explained his difficult decision to withdraw from the Ecuadorian selection.

“I am writing to inform you that, due to health complications, I will not be able to join the Ecuadorian delegation participating in the upcoming World Cycling Championships,” said Carapaz.

“I have already formally communicated this decision via email to the Ecuadorian Cycling Federation.”

Carapaz, who last raced at the Vuelta a España, where he finished fourth overall, explained the bitter blow of missing out on the Worlds, but acknowledged that medical assessments made his decision clear. 

"As a high-performance athlete, my desire has always been to give my best and proudly represent Ecuador's colours,” he said. 

“However, following a detailed assessment, strict medical recommendations, and a joint decision with my performance team, it has been determined that the most responsible course of action is to prioritise my health and focus on a speedy recovery to avoid greater risks to my career.”

Carapaz was expected to form part of a four-rider selection for Ecuador in the elite men’s road race alongside Jefferson Alexander Cepeda (EF Education-EasyPost), Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda (Movistar) and Jhonatan Narváez (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). 

As part of the nation's golden generation, Carapaz would have been looking to eclipse his 22nd-place finish from the 2020 edition, which currently stands as Ecuador's best result in the elite men's road race. 

Though, he has enjoyed Olympic gold while racing in the colours of Ecuador at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

Ecuador are yet to announce a replacement for Carapaz ahead of the road race on 27 September.

“I thank the Federation for the call-up, as well as my technical team and all the fans for their understanding and support at this time. I wish the entire Tricolour delegation representing us in this competition the very best of success.”

“I will continue my treatment in order to return to training as soon as possible. Thank you for your expressions of support and for always being there,” Carapaz concluded.