Richard Carapaz emotional after becoming national champion for first time - " Victory is very special, in my own country, in my hometown"

Richard Carapaz's season got off to a great start with a win in the national championship, securing the title of national champion for the first time in his career.

What makes it more special for him is he won the race In Tulcan, the place where he was born and raised. “This victory is very special, in my own country, in my hometown. For me, this is more than a win. I remember cycling on these streets, the streets where I grew up. It's very moving in that sense,” said Carapaz.

Jefferson Alexander Cepeda and Jonathan Caicedo played a crucial role in helping him reach the podium. “Their work was very important. We spoke to each other very briefly before the start and had one goal. They knew I was keen to win, and we wanted at least two riders on the podium,” said Carapaz.

Carapaz may have been off to a slow start in the season, but his victory makes up for it and he has high hopes for the rest of the season. “This victory also shows that we are doing well and working hard. It was a difficult winter for me, with an operation on my tonsils, which caused me to start later. So above all, I am very happy, it will be special to be able to wear such a beautiful jersey in front of the whole world,” concluded Carapaz.