“It’s Been a Very Hard Vuelta, Very Demanding” – Richard Carapaz Nearing Final Podium with Two Stages to Go at 2024 Vuelta a España
As the 2024 Vuelta a España draws to a dramatic conclusion, Ecuadorian cycling sensation Richard Carapaz is edging ever closer to securing a podium finish, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s elite cyclists. With only two stages left in the grueling three-week race, Carapaz has faced immense challenges but remains in contention for a top-three finish. The race has tested not only his physical limits but also his tactical acumen, mental fortitude, and ability to navigate the unpredictable nature of Grand Tour cycling.
The Vuelta a España, known for its unforgiving climbs and often unpredictable weather, has pushed every rider to their limits this year. For Carapaz, who has already won the 2019 Giro d’Italia and taken second place at the 2020 Vuelta, this edition of the Spanish Grand Tour has been particularly brutal. The combination of steep mountain stages, high-altitude finishes, and intense competition has made the 2024 Vuelta one of the most demanding in recent memory. Despite these obstacles, Carapaz has remained resilient, showing the grit and determination that have come to define his career.
A Grueling Journey: The Hardest Vuelta Yet
Speaking candidly after Stage 19, Richard Carapaz reflected on his journey through the 2024 Vuelta a España, emphasizing the sheer difficulty of the race. “It’s been a very hard Vuelta, very demanding,” Carapaz told reporters, his exhaustion evident. “Every day has presented new challenges, from the mountains to the wind to the fierce competition. It’s taken everything to stay in the fight.”
Indeed, this year’s Vuelta has been particularly punishing. The race featured eight high mountain stages, many of which took the riders into Spain’s most rugged and remote terrain. These stages, combined with several treacherous summit finishes, tested the endurance and climbing ability of every competitor. The brutal ascents of the Alto de l’Angliru, one of the most feared climbs in professional cycling with gradients exceeding 23%, and the relentless Alto de la Covatilla were only some of the obstacles that have worn down the peloton.
Carapaz has had to dig deep, not only in these decisive mountain stages but also in the flatter stages, where crosswinds, heat, and strategic attacks from rival teams constantly threatened to derail his podium ambitions. The Ecuadorian climber’s consistency and ability to manage his efforts over three weeks have been key to his success thus far. “There’s been no easy day in this Vuelta. Every stage has required total focus and effort, whether it’s defending my position or attacking to gain time,” Carapaz added.
The Fight for the Podium: A Tactical Battle
As the Vuelta approaches its final stages, Carapaz is locked in a fierce battle for a podium finish. While the overall race leader seems to have a firm grip on the red jersey, the battle for second and third place remains wide open, with only seconds separating the top contenders. Carapaz, riding for EF Education-EasyPost, has been trading blows with some of the world’s best climbers and all-rounders, including Primož Roglič, Enric Mas, and João Almeida.
Throughout the race, Carapaz has played his cards carefully, choosing when to attack and when to conserve energy. His experience as a Grand Tour winner has served him well, allowing him to navigate the complexities of stage racing with precision. In the early stages of the Vuelta, Carapaz stayed close to his rivals, avoiding unnecessary risks and focusing on preserving his energy for the decisive moments.
The turning point came in the second week of the race, during Stage 13, when the peloton tackled the unforgiving slopes of the Tourmalet, one of cycling’s most iconic climbs. Carapaz launched a bold attack on the final ascent, dropping several key rivals and moving himself into podium contention. His aggressive riding caught the attention of fans and commentators alike, who praised his bravery and determination.
“I knew the Tourmalet would be a critical stage. I felt good, and I took the chance to go for it. It was a risk, but in a race like the Vuelta, you have to take risks if you want to be on the podium,” Carapaz explained. His attack paid off, as he gained valuable time on his rivals and solidified his position as a serious contender for the podium.
A Season of Resilience: Overcoming Setbacks
Carapaz’s performance at the 2024 Vuelta is even more impressive when considering the challenges he has faced this season. Earlier in the year, the Ecuadorian star suffered a serious crash during the Tour de France, which forced him to abandon the race and spend several weeks recovering. The injury raised doubts about whether Carapaz would be able to compete at the Vuelta, let alone contend for a podium finish.
However, Carapaz showed his trademark resilience and determination, working tirelessly in his recovery to ensure he would be ready for the Spanish Grand Tour. “The crash at the Tour was a difficult moment for me. It took a lot to come back from that, both physically and mentally. But I never lost faith that I could still achieve something special this season,” Carapaz said in a pre-Vuelta interview.
His return to form has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite not having the ideal preparation heading into the Vuelta, Carapaz has been able to rise to the occasion, matching and often outclimbing some of the best riders in the world. His ability to bounce back from adversity has earned him admiration from his peers and fans alike.
Support from the Team: A Key Factor
Carapaz’s success at this year’s Vuelta has also been a testament to the strength of his EF Education-EasyPost team. Throughout the race, his teammates have been instrumental in protecting him from attacks, setting him up for key moves, and ensuring he has the support he needs in both flat and mountainous stages.
During crucial stages, Carapaz’s teammates have taken turns pacing him in the high mountains, neutralizing attacks from rivals, and keeping him in position to strike when the opportunity arises. Their collective effort has helped Carapaz maintain his focus and stay within striking distance of the podium.
“My team has been incredible. They’ve been with me every step of the way, through the hardest climbs and the most difficult moments. Without them, I wouldn’t be in this position,” Carapaz remarked after one particularly tough mountain stage.
The Final Challenge: Two Stages to Go
With only two stages remaining in the 2024 Vuelta a España, Richard Carapaz is on the brink of securing a podium finish. However, the final two stages promise to be anything but straightforward. Stage 20, a mountainous test that includes multiple categorized climbs, will be the last chance for the climbers to make their move. This stage is expected to be a battle of attrition, with teams looking to isolate their rivals and force decisive gaps in the general classification.
For Carapaz, Stage 20 represents a critical moment. “I know this stage will be decisive. Everyone is going to be giving everything they have left, and I need to be ready to respond,” he said. Carapaz’s ability to manage his effort and respond to attacks will be crucial as he seeks to defend his position in the overall standings.
The final stage, traditionally a ceremonial ride into Madrid, will provide no opportunities for GC riders to gain time. Thus, all eyes are on Stage 20 as the last real test of this year’s Vuelta. Carapaz’s rivals will undoubtedly look to exploit any weakness, but the Ecuadorian has proven time and again that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Legacy on the Line: Cementing His Place in History
As Carapaz nears the end of the 2024 Vuelta a España, his potential podium finish would further solidify his place in cycling history. Already a Giro d’Italia winner and an Olympic gold medalist, Carapaz’s consistent performances in Grand Tours have made him one of the most respected and admired cyclists of his generation.
A podium finish in the Vuelta would mark his third top-three finish in a Grand Tour, further enhancing his reputation as one of the sport’s most versatile and durable riders. It would also be a testament to his resilience, having overcome injuries and setbacks to compete at the highest level once again.
For Carapaz, the Vuelta has always held a special place in his heart. “The Vuelta is a race that I love. It’s always been a race where I’ve felt strong, and to be on the podium here would mean so much to me,” he said.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Carapaz
Regardless of the final outcome, Richard Carapaz’s performance at the 2024 Vuelta a España is yet another chapter in what has been an illustrious career. With years still ahead of him, Carapaz remains one of the top contenders in the peloton and will undoubtedly be a key figure in future Grand Tours.
As the cycling world watches closely, Carapaz continues to inspire fans in Ecuador and around the globe with his determination, resilience, and never-give-up attitude. While the final two stages of the 2024 Vuelta a España will determine the outcome of the race, Carapaz has already shown that he is a true champion in every sense of the word.
