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Richard Carapaz challenges Tadej Pogačar in 2026 Tour of Spain

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz is targeting the general classification in his seventh Vuelta a España, aiming to challenge Tadej Pogačar.
  • Carapaz feels confident after an eighth-place finish and two stage wins in the Tour de France, followed by a second-place finish in the Clásica de San Sebastián.
  • He acknowledges Pogačar as the main rival but believes the race's mountainous terrain and his team's support will be key factors.

Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz enters his seventh Vuelta a España with ambitious goals, aiming to compete for the general classification title. The EF Education EasyPost rider arrives with renewed confidence following a strong performance in the Tour de France, where he secured eighth place overall, claimed two stage victories, and won the mountains classification.

After the Tour I have recovered well and have maintained a lot of concentration, especially to come here to the Vuelta with a clear objective. I'm coming for the general classification

— Richard CarapazExplaining his confidence and goals for the Vuelta a España.

At 33, Carapaz, a former Giro d'Italia winner and Olympic champion, feels his current form is solid after recovering well from the Tour. A recent second-place finish at the Clásica de San Sebastián further bolstered his belief. "After the Tour I have recovered well and have maintained a lot of concentration, especially to come here to the Vuelta with a clear objective. I'm coming for the general classification," Carapaz stated on August 20.

I have the legs, which is the most important thing, and that is vital for me, it gives me confidence to start the Vuelta

— Richard CarapazDescribing his physical condition heading into the race.

His primary challenge is expected to be Slovenian star Tadej Pogačar, who returns to the Vuelta after a seven-year absence. Carapaz recognizes Pogačar as the world's best cyclist but is undeterred. "Pogačar is the best in the world, he has won everything and is, without a doubt, the main rival to beat. We will have to fight against him," he commented.

Pogačar is the best in the world, he has won everything and is, without a doubt, the main rival to beat. We will have to fight against him

— Richard CarapazAcknowledging Tadej Pogačar as his main competitor.

Carapaz also highlighted the importance of his team's support and the race's demanding, mountainous profile. He believes tactical decisions and sheer physical strength will be crucial, especially with challenging stages beginning early in the race. "You have to have legs," Carapaz emphasized, noting that the race could be decided on any given day due to the significant amount of climbing.

The race will ultimately decide itself, there is a lot of mountain and any day can decide the Vuelta

— Richard CarapazCommenting on the impact of the mountainous terrain on the race outcome.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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