CONFIRMED: Defending Olympic Champion Richard Carapaz left out by Ecuador; Jhonatan Narváez to fight for medal in Paris
Cycling
The dramatic situation that has developed in Ecaudor has ended. It is official that Jhonatan Narváez will represent the South American country in the next Olympic Games in Paris 2024, thus ending the discussions and cross statements by Richard Carapaz's - the defending champion.
The current Olympic gold medalist complained bitterly that the Ecuadorian Cycling Federation had changed the rules at the start of the season and that meant he had no chance against a Narvaez who, it must be said, is in seemingly better form currently and seems a more solid medal option for Ecuador considering the Parisian course.
Ecuador was only given, despite it's defending champion status, one spot for the race in Paris. Thus, with the Federation in favor of Narváez, and with the INEOS Grenadiers rider receiving the support of the Ministry of Sports, there were unpleasant exchanges of statements that are now over once the decision is known.
But now Carapaz has buried the hatchet (although with a final message making it clear that he does not regret the noise organized) through a video in which he wishes luck to a Narvaez - the two former teammates should race together in the Zurich World Championships later in the year.
"This time it could not be the representation for the Olympic Games, but I want to wish the best of luck to Jhonatan. May he do his best and represent us in the best way, I for my part continue to prepare for new goals and new challenges. Remember, never stop raising your voice for a fair sport".
UCI POINTS, THE DECISIVE FACTOR
Thus, the key to what happened had to do with the fact that Ecuador only had a place because of the few UCI points it accumulated last year, among other things because of the very modest performance of Carapaz himself. The EF Ecuation-EasyPost rider complained that the Federation could have asked for an extra place in October 2023 but only did it in April when it was too late.
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Gracias por su apoyo, mijines! 🙏🏽
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