"We tried to save the day and above all to keep the loss to a minimum" - Richard Carapaz gets through unfavourable ITT to start 2024 Vuelta a Espana

After finishing the time trial of the first stage of the 2024 Vuelta a Espana, Richard Carapaz spoke to the press about his feelings on the bike, the difficulties due to the wind in Lisbon and his end goal in this Grand Tour.

The Ecuadorian from EF Education-EasyPost was first asked how the time trial went: "We know it's not our strong point but we tried to defend ourselves. I know that there are still a lot of riders who are going to be for the overall but well, it's a good reference for me and the truth is that as I say, we tried to save the day and above all to keep the loss to a minimum", answered the Olympic champion of Tokyo 2020.

The windy weather conditions also played a key factor: "In the first part it was very good but then after kilometre four it was very windy and well, it was a little difficult to keep up. I am also very light and I was shaking from one side to the other but as I say, I think it was the first effort, I felt very good and as I said, I hope it is the minimum loss for our goal, "said the 31-year-old rider.

Finally, he was reminded of his statements saying that he had said he was coming to win the Vuelta, something he did not hesitate to reaffirm: "Yes, in the end it's our goal this year, we want to do very well and the truth is that I have the legs and I want to try."