"It's been a very, very positive Tour for me" - Richard Carapaz makes history with polka-dot jersey win at 2024 Tour de France

On stage 20 of the 2024 Tour de France, Richard Carapaz showed his great mental strength and determination by finishing third, 23 seconds behind Tadej Pogacar and 16 seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard, having been in the break for 105 kilometres.

Whilst his efforts weren't rewarded with a stage win, the Ecuadorian did at least manage to seal his overall victory in the King of the Mountains classification, becoming the first rider from Ecuador to win the prestigious polka-dot jersey at cycling's biggest race.

Carapaz expressed his excitement in a brief interview after the stage. "The truth is that I'm super excited. It was a very, very hard day because on the first climb we thought we were going to be able to score, but I wasn't because there was a breakaway. However, I was lucky to get away on the descent that I knew very well," reflected the Olympic champion.

The Ecuadorian also reflected on his overall performance in this edition of the Tour de France. "I'm super happy, it's been a very, very positive Tour for me. With a stage win and this jersey, I've been growing little by little day by day. That's the best feeling I have, that I've finished well," said Carapaz.

Carapaz's achievement in winning the mountains jersey has a special meaning, not only for him, but also for his country. "To take this beautiful jersey home is the best thing," he concluded.