The Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz announced his decision not to participate in the 2024 Road World Championship, which takes place in the Swiss city of Zurich, to attend a family emergency, as confirmed by the Ecuadorian Cycling Federation (FEC).
The South American rider left his concentration in Zurich to return to Ecuador as an ’emergency’, after learning that his young daughter underwent surgery. “Fortunately the surgery went well. However, she still requires care,” Carapaz said in a statement.
The South American cyclist was in good form after his participation in the Vuelta a España, in which he finished fourth, 49 seconds off the podium. With the news Ecuador loses one of its main cards in the road race this Sunday, September 29.
“In view of this emergency I have not been able to train for several days and my condition is not up to what Ecuador deserves, neither physically nor mentally so I have decided not to participate in the World Cup in Zurich 2024,” added the Ecuadorian.
The loss of Carapaz, adds to that of two other riders in the South American delegation. Jhonatan Narváez (Ineos Grenadiers) and Harold Martín López (Astana Qazaqstan), who will not be able to be with the national team. Consequently, Ecuador will have in competition Alexander Cepeda (EF Education-EsyPost), Jefferson Cepeda (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) and Jonathan Caicedo (Forte Petrolike – Androni Giocattoli).
