Richard Carapaz, Olympic medalist and considered one of the best cyclists in the world, will face great challenges in his new squad, EF Education-EasyPost.
The American squad signed the Ecuadorian, who last season was a member of the British Ineos Grenadiers team, and now makes him their leader with whom they hope to be more competitive.
“Needing to take a step forward in terms of competitiveness, EF Education-EasyPost invested heavily in hiring Richard Carapaz, one of the best voltistas of the moment and tired of having to constantly fight for the status of team leader,” said the spanish portal GoRide.
“In the American formation he is number one. You will choose the calendar you want and of course the Tour de France is at the top of the list. The winner of a Giro wants much more. The team too. It seems like a perfect combination”, added the site specialized in cycling.
However, he notes that there is no “strong block” that can support Carapaz and for this the US squad works to strengthen its lines.
“The problem may be that there is not a strong block to help Carapaz, unlike what happens with the Jumbo-Visma, for example. But that doesn’t seem to worry too much. Andrey Amador also arrives from INEOS Grenadiers, one of the best teammates in the peloton”, he specified.
“If riders like Esteban Chaves, Merhawi Kudus, James Shaw and Jonathan Caicedo, for example, improve their performance, then Carapaz could be of significant help. And of course there is Rigoberto Urán. He postponed the ‘reform’ to continue for another two years and he will always be a leader,” he added.
With the Colombian Urán there is optimism that he can be one of those who help reinforce support for the Ecuadorian.
“However, with the arrival of Carapaz, the Colombian could be called upon to reinforce the block around the Ecuadorian. And all of Urán’s experience will be essential in this search so that EF Education-EasyPost begins to be a team to take into account in the grand tours and other stage races, thanks to the hiring of Carapaz,” the site commented.
“He is, without a doubt, one of the main signings of 2023. But the American team also secured Mikkel Honoré, a cyclist who can be both a valuable worker and have his opportunities. Another good hire,” he concluded. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
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