"The line between winning and losing is razor-thin" - Richard Carapaz delivers another memorable Grand Tour despite missing Vuelta podium
CyclingMonday, 14 September 2026 at 14:36
The line between glory and heartbreak is razor thin for Richard Carapaz, who delivered another memorable Grand Tour performance at the 2026 Vuelta a Espana. Despite missing out on the podium, the Ecuadorian lit up various parts of the race and was trying right until the end as he tried to break into the podium on stage 20.
The EF Education-EasyPost rider came into the Vuelta off the back of a flying Tour de France, and kept the ball rolling across Spain. He paid tribute to his team and staff as the dust settled under the Sunday sunset in Granada.
He said: "I think this Vuelta was a little different for us. We lined up at the start with tremendous confidence and a clear, ambitious goal: to compete for the victory. That drive motivated us to fight every day and keep the team at the front at all times.
"After three weeks, fourth place is a well-deserved result. We fought tirelessly for it, always keeping our ambition to win alive, and we seized every opportunity that came our way. The team was flawless from start to finish—they supported me through thick and thin and gave it their all."
Richard Carapaz crosses the line on Stage 20 of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana
Carapaz on the line between winning and losing
One of the peloton's mavericks, Carapaz is renowned for his huge accelerations and willingness to attack - racing by instinct rather than numbers and watts. His exciting style makes for great entertainment, but ensures he threads the line between glory and defeat tightly.
He added: "In cycling, the line between winning and losing is razor-thin, but competing for the win requires a relentless effort—and that’s exactly what we delivered. Throughout these three weeks, the team has shown true character; we never stopped trying, no matter what opportunity presented itself.
"I am incredibly proud of my teammates, who performed fantastically; of the coaching staff, who worked tirelessly on every little tactical detail; and of the entire support staff. They are the best at what they do. Their work takes place behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed, but without them, we simply wouldn’t be here."
Carapaz finishes fourth place at La Vuelta
Ultimately, fourth place is not what he came for, but he accepts that he and his team left it all on the road.
"It was a Vuelta that we thoroughly enjoyed. Every stage was a learning experience for all of us. Competing in a Grand Tour is always incredibly tough; if you reach the ultimate goal, it’s fantastic, and if you just fall short, you keep pushing as long as there’s a chance.
"Personally, I’m incredibly happy with the team, proud of a fantastic Vuelta and a great season, and above all, proud that we showed the world our fighting spirit. It was three incredible weeks.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- Nothing new there
Rafionain-Glas14-09-2026 - "In fact, UAE took 5,565 points at the Tour, a number that alone exceeds Visma’s combined Giro and Vuelta tally" Somebody clearly can't do the math herevappaxbipmv14-09-2026
- The only reason he caught Pogi is that Pogi didn't know Mas was chasing him and was taking it a little easy. Yes my friend, Mas surprised Pogi. Ad acta!!!PogiSloFans14-09-2026
- Your comment makes more sense than what the author of this article wrote. PS: Mas is one of the biggest record breakers in the history of cycling!!! Sarcasm PressPogiSloFans14-09-2026
- Joke of the last decade: "The 2026 Vuelta a España has come to a conclusion and Enric Mas has been able to do what only two other riders in the history of the sport have managed to: Win a Grand Tour where Tadej Pogacar was at the start." !?!? PS: ... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ... One of the funniest jokes in cycling history, not because of Primož and Jonas ... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ...PogiSloFans14-09-2026
- An excellent point, that Mas catching Pogačar on that steep goat track climb helped legitimize the win - had he just inherited the space and not passed Pogačar and not won the stage, I'd have far more questions. As it is, yes, sadly, a crash put him into the lead, but he earned the place to have taken that lead, and he defended it well when it mattered.RidesHills14-09-2026
- Weren't you staying away from these comment boards until Pogačar raced again?RidesHills14-09-2026
- The factor of the no-Pogacar, is another point of note, no one wins with Pogacar around or it's close.. I think their should be a rule, if Pogacar's in a race then his results should be ignored
leedorney14-09-2026 - what a garbage takewrsty14-09-2026
- Pity Kuss couldn’t find back his past performance except for one or two good stages. Makes you wonder how he ever managed to win it even if you ignore the others on the podium were restrained.Jumpyjohn14-09-2026
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