Richard Carapaz overcomes high-speed crash and keeps Giro dream alive - "The final climb didn't hurt me as much as I thought"

Richard Carapaz was one of the many riders who crashed during the wet sixth stage of this year's Giro d'Italia and there were very real concerns that the former Olympic Champion would struggle during today's important climbing test in Tagliacozzo. Carapaz passed it with a great note, most importantly seeming unbothered by the fall that happened 24 hours before.

The Ecuadorian from EF Education-EasyPost was 8th at the finish line after warning that it could be a bad day for him, especially for being part of the massive crash of the previous stage. Carapaz did not put his nose to the wind in the final ascent and remained conservative, but away from the spotlight of Juan Ayuso, Primoz Roglic and Egan Bernal, Carapaz arrived to the finish in the chasing group that finished 4 seconds behind the Spaniard.

In words to Cycling Pro Net he explained the sensations on the day. "I think the final climb didn't hurt me as much as I thought. Today I woke up in pain from yesterday's crash, but we were confident that things could go well. The climb was very explosive, and the fastest won". 

This even sees him climb in the overall classification, keeping himself in position to fight for the final podium or more. Currently, heading into what will be a very treacherous weekend, he is 10th in the GC, 39 seconds off Primoz Roglic but only 12 away from fourth place.

"For my part and that of the team,we did a very good job, especially in the parts where we thought the day could be more dangerous. My teammates did a great job at the end of the climb to leave me as far ahead as possible," added Richard Carapaz.

"Finishing 8th was a plus for me. I have to keep recovering well from the crash. There's no need to play it down. It wasn't that serious, but I hope to be 100% soon," Carapaz concluded.