Richard Carapaz announces return to Ecuador after strong European cycling season

Ecuadorian cycling star Richard Carapaz announced his return to his home country following an intense period of competition in Europe. The "Locomotora del Carchi" had a demanding schedule in June, July, and August 2026, competing after recovering from surgery.

Carapaz achieved a significant result by finishing second in the Clásica de San Sebastián on Saturday, August 1, 2026. He was narrowly beaten in a final sprint by Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel after they had broken away from the main peloton with eight kilometers remaining. "It's exciting to be able to finish here. Happy to go home now," Carapaz stated after the race, reflecting on his performance and the upcoming break. "It has been a bit of a long week, after the Tour (de France) it's always complicated to maintain concentration. In the end, I did very well."

His strong showing in San Sebastián followed a notable performance in the Tour de France, where he was crowned both King of the Mountains and the Most Combative Rider. Carapaz finished eighth overall in the Tour and won two stages, marking his second-best performance in the event, with his best being a third-place overall finish in 2021.

Carapaz's return to racing came after undergoing surgery in April 2026 for perineal discomfort, which caused him to miss the Giro d'Italia. He made his comeback at the Tour de Suisse in June, finishing second, before heading to the Tour de France. He also participated in exhibition races before concluding his European campaign in San Sebastián. His immediate plans include spending time with his family in Ecuador.

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It's exciting to be able to finish here. Happy to go home now. It has been a bit of a long week, after the Tour (de France) it's always complicated to maintain concentration. In the end, I did very well.