Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz underwent surgery after a medical evaluation revealed a condition while preparing for the 2016 Giro d’Italia, his main goal for the season.
Despite the Giro’s proximity, his medical team in Quito, led by Dr. José Reinhart, decided to perform the operation in coordination with the doctors of EF Education-EasyPost.
The Ecuadorian Olympic champion’s team confirmed that, after several medical evaluations, specialists decided to prioritize his recovery given the proximity of the Italian race.
The surgery was recommended by José Reinhart, his doctor when he is in Ecuador, who diagnosed a condition affecting the median raphe of the perineum, a common injury among cyclists.
The operation, coordinated with the EF Education-EasyPost team, was performed without complications and lasted approximately 60 minutes. It took place in a hospital in the northern part of the Ecuadorian capital. During the procedure, the affected tissue was removed, leaving a clean wound. According to the medical report, the cyclist is in good general condition and has already begun his recovery process.
When will “La Locomotora” Carapaz return to training?
The plan includes 24 hours of hospital observation followed by progressive rehabilitation. It is estimated that he will be able to resume cycling in about 10 days.
Before the surgery, Carapaz had a remarkable performance in the 2016 Volta a Catalunya, finishing tenth overall. His best moment came on the high mountain stage finishing in Queralt, where he was a key player and finished sixth.
The Ecuadorian showed strength on demanding terrain and has already completed 16 days of competition with 2,618 km of racing this season.
Richard Carapaz’s goal is the Giro d’Italia, which begins in May. He has been a prominent figure in the race, finishing fourth in 2018, winning the title in 2019, second in 2022, and third in 2025. He is a true icon of the Giro, having also won stages in the race.
When is the 2026 Giro d’Italia?
The 2026 Giro d’Italia will begin on May 8, 2026, the date scheduled for the start of the first stage with the 23 confirmed teams. It will run until May 31, 2026.
Richard Carapaz, from Carchi, is training in Ecuador just five days after his surgery. He is aiming for the Giro d’Italia.
Source: El Comercio- Ecuador