Richard Carapaz Withdraws from World Championship

Richard Carapaz, Ecuador's 2021 Olympic cycling champion, has withdrawn from the upcoming world championship road race due to a family emergency concerning his daughter, who recently underwent emergency surgery. While the surgery was successful, Carapaz stated that his daughter still requires care, prompting him to prioritize family over competition. He expressed that he has been unable to train adequately for several days and feels he is not in the right physical or mental condition to represent Ecuador properly. Carapaz, known for his climbing skills and prior successes, including winning the Giro d'Italia in 2019, would have been a strong contender in the challenging Zurich race. Ecuador's hopes now rest on a trio of former National Road Champions following Carapaz's exit. This decision follows another Ecuadorian rider's withdrawal, further impacting the country's representation in the event.