“Don’t let anyone get on Richard Carapazo’s bike!” demanded on social media in June 2019 after the man from Carcha was crowned Giro d’Italia champion. The request has become fashionable. It was aimed at those who were promoted from certain government circles as responsible for the success of the cyclists in that race (he competed as part of the Movistar professional team, not with the help of the state). They were the same ones who kicked him out of the Bolivarian Games in Santa Marta, Colombia in 2017 without giving him a chance to defend himself against a charge of indiscipline, and who also tried to usurp the lead in winning Olympic gold in Tokyo. Games 2020..

“They never believed in me. This gold belongs to me, as well as to all those who supported me then. I know everyone will want to celebrate this medal, but it’s for those who really cheered me on,” Carapaz said after winning the gold medal at the Tokyo road test.

“Ambition created Richard Carapaz. In Ecuador, there was no tradition, almost no resources, and ambition led me to Olympic gold, victory on a great tour (Giro 2019), on other podiums (second in the 2022 Giro and Tour 2020 and third in the 2021 tour)”. said the Locomotive Carchi in an interview with Earthfrom Spain, on Saturday.

‘I hope to be in the fight’

In this second part of the conversation between the current cyclist of the Education First team and the prestigious Madrid newspaper, reproduced by EL UNIVERSO, Carapaz talks about other factors that have allowed him to go where an Ecuadorian cyclist has never been able to before. It also refers to a life decision that involved choosing between sports or studies.

“It happens that now there is a group of drivers who conquer everything like Tadej Pogaçar, Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic, Remco Evenepoel…” he told him. Earth Carapazu, with some kind of mood to boost his pride, regarding his ultimate goal in 2023: the Tour de France.

Tribojnica, who will turn 30 on May 29, answers: “I was with them on the podium, I know what quality they have. I can’t miss anyone. They are great runners, but I also know that I can be there. We are all ambitious and I hope to be in the fight again.

‘I am brave and a fighter’

Jordi Quixano, the author of the note, tells him that if something characterizes him, it is that he always fights. And Carapaz agrees: “It’s in my blood and I usually take advantage of it.” I am brave, a fighter. I think many cyclists enjoy suffering on the bike. We are a bit masochistic. That’s the word.”

The cycling answer leads the interview to the origins of the sports hero in Ecuador. “Perhaps this character also originates from his childhood, since he took over the management of his parents’ farm when his mother fell ill with breast cancer. Is that right?” Quixano asks him.

“Yes. What I experienced in adolescence influenced my character. And I knew how to use it because I received a very important life lesson. I didn’t choose it, but I appreciate it because the bike served me a lot”.

‘Mischief and instinct’

And continues Richie who reveals that he was always clear that he was going to be a cyclist. “There came a time when my father asked me what I preferred, studying or cycling. I told him that I wanted to try and that if I hadn’t achieved anything important by the age of 23, I would dedicate myself to studying. But inside I thought I wanted to be a cyclist. I threw myself 100% into this and it got me here.”

Earth He inquires about the tactics that Carapaz, an expert in climbs, regularly implements: “On a climb, you usually prove you’re wrong and then attack. Do you like playing that?” The Olympic champion clarifies the question: “Well, years of experience lead you to know the situations in the race and you learn when it’s good to attack. It’s mischief and instinct, but also experience because the races are repeated. And that learning, knowing when and where to move, can make a difference”.

And about his work routine, Cararaz said: “I always had ways to prepare. Yes, there were changes to improve, like the gym, but the essential thing is to enjoy the bike. That’s what brings you the most.” (D)