"In Ecuador, instead of taking a step forward, we are a step back" - Richard Carapaz critical of lack of development in Ecuadorian cycling

When you think of Ecuadorian cycling, one man springs to mind quicker than most. EF Education-EasyPost's former Giro d'Italia winner, Richard Carapaz.

Looking past the former INEOS Grenadiers and Movistar Team rider however, not many others standout. This concerns the national champion deeply. “Almost a decade has passed, and we have not added one more to the World Tour. The last one to join was Alexander Cepeda and now Martín López this year. But it's one, when in reality it should be four or five. There is talent, of course, but talent is being lost because many miss the support,” he noted in an interview for PRIMICIAS de Ecuador.

Having made it to the very top of the peloton, Carapaz is keen to inspire the next generation of Ecuadorian cyclists. “In Ecuador, instead of taking a step forward, we are a step back," he says concerned. "The structure of the Federation has not helped. It is true that they want to organize competitions with certain standards, but in Ecuador there is no system that works that way."

“The bike is the illusion that lifts me up every day. Training, taking care of myself is not difficult for me," Carapaz concludes, optimistic about his own future. "I love running, feeling the adrenaline. It is a lifestyle. I am excited and motivated, like every year, to get started.”