Carapaz relishes Pogacar challenge as Vuelta GC ambitions confirmed

Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) has outlined his general classification ambitions ahead of the Vuelta a España while relishing the opportunity to go head-to-head with pre-race favourite Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).

“We’ve got a pretty clear goal, and we’re going to be aiming for the general classification. I think it’s not just a personal goal, but also a team one,” said Carapaz in his pre-race press conference.

The Ecuadorian arrives in Monaco for the start after a successful Tour de France, where he won two stages in the Alps, claimed the mountains classification and finished eighth overall. 

After finishing the Tour on a high, Carapaz raced the Clasica San Sebastian, where he continued to shine, finishing second behind Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) in a two-up sprint.

“I think that, apart from my morale, my legs are in good shape – which is the most important thing – and I reckon that’s vital for me: knowing I’ve got the legs to start this race,” he said.

Carapaz will face stiff competition from the pre-race favourite Pogačar, who returns to the Spanish Grand Tour after a seven-year absence. 

The former Olympic champion is looking forward to the challenge of competing against the world champion, who will be aiming to complete the Grand Tour set after sealing a record-equalling fifth Tour title in July.

“At the end of the day he’s the best in the world, isn’t he? And well, he’s won everything he’s competed in by a clear margin, and personally I respect him a lot,” said Carapaz.

“The truth is, he’s a great rival to beat, isn’t he? I think for me it’s going to be a bit of a thrill. After all, I haven’t really had the chance to go head-to-head with him in a Grand Tour before, so let’s see what happens.”

Beyond Pogačar, Carapaz highlighted Primož Roglič (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) and Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM) among the GC contenders, although the Slovenian's form remains uncertain following his recent training crash. 

Gall meanwhile arrives having finished second at the Giro d'Italia, and more recently having won the Vuelta a Burgos.

“And then there’s Primoz, though I don’t know what sort of form he’s in right now after his crash. There’s Felix Gall, who we’ve seen is in very good form, and well, I think he’s a guy who knows how to perform well in the general classification too.”

Alongside Carapaz, EF Education-EasyPost will feature Vincenzo Albanese, Markel Beloki, Alastair Mackellar, Darren Rafferty, Juan Felipe Rodriguez, James Shaw, and Georg Steinhauser. 

“I think that the guys here for the race are young riders who know what they’re here for, what they’re up against and, above all, they’re in great shape.”