In the last weeks or days, you may have heard the name of Richard Carapaz, the Ecuadorian cyclist who is making history in Europe. He recently won in Asturias, Spain, won the 8th stage in the Giro d’Italia and remains in the top 10 of the general classification. Here some highlights of his tour.
Carapaz, native of Carchi, was born on May 29, 1993. During his short career he has been able to train with renowned cyclists in the country, such as Ecuadorians Juan Carlos Rosero and Paulo Caicedo. It was at school where Rosero enrolled Carapaz in a cycling group, Rosero spoke with the mother of the future cyclist, told her that she needed to buy him a uniform, she did it and that’s where it all began.
Source: instagram manzoni.r
In 2011 he began his career in the amateur team Panavial – Coraje Carchense. Later, he joined the RPM Team (from Ecuador), where he won the Guatemala Tour in 2013 and the Pan-American Championship in route sub 23 that same year. But not everything was joy in that year, Richard suffered when his mentor Juan Carlos Rosero died: the young promise was hurt and wanted to leav cycling for good.
Fortunately, Carapaz did not leave his sport and so far he has managed to reap important victories. In 2015 he became part of the Colombian team Strongman – Campagnolo where he became the first foreigner to win the Colombian Youth Tour. Today, he is part of the Movistar cycling team with which he’s achieved a first place in the Asturias Julio Álvarez Mendo Tour, a 2nd place in the GP Industria & Artigianato, 2nd place in the GC Route du Sur – La Depeche du Midi , and his most famous and recent triumph in the 8th stage of the Giro d’Italia, being the first time an Ecuadorian wins it. At the beginning of the video you can see his lonely arrival at the finish line at the top of the sanctuary of Montevergine di Mercogliano. You can listen to the exciting narration of his historic triumph. On May 12, Richard Carapaz, 24, after traveling 209 kilometers in 5 hours, 11 minutes and 35 seconds made history by imposing himself on the Italian Davide Formolo (2nd) and the Frenchman Thibaut Pinot (3rd).
There are still a few days left before the Giro d’Italia concludes. There are 21 stages in total and today they are cycling the 10th. In the general ranking (Maglia Rosa), Richard Carapaz is in 5th place at 1:32 minutes from Briton Simon Yates. Also, the Ecuadorian is in 1st place in the White Magic category followed by the Colombian Miguel Ángel López. In the White Magic category, only cyclists under 25 are ranked, and Richard is leading and preserving the white jersey awarded to the best youth in the competition.
The Ecuadorian’s achievements are already legendary for his country, he is still paving his way, building his legacy. A foundation in his name supports 15 children between 6 and 14 years old. They are following his steps, aiming ti become future elite athletes who will take over Europe and the world as Richard Carapaz has done. There is potential.
Today, although Latin American cycling has been very well represented by Colombians, Ecuador makes history with Carapaz who is in the fight to stay within the top 10 of the Giro d’Italia. We invite you to support the Ecuadorian cyclist and send messages of support.
Write on Twitter @RichardCarapazM – send a message here
Write on Instagram – @ richardcarapaz- send a message here
Sources:
https://www.eluniverso.com/deportes/2018/05/13/nota/6756447/triunfo-historico-ciclismo-ecuatoriano
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