After winning last year’s Giro d’Italia, Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz, nicknamed “La Locomotora”, has every intention of doing so again in 2020.
“I was very pleased to enjoy success in Italy and that’s what makes me want to go back,” Carapaz said.
“I think I’m a bit more mature both in sporting and mental terms, so that will be an extra advantage for me. Because I know what the Giro is like and after two years in it, the second of which was a big success, I hope I can repeat that feat this year and I’m going to be ready to do just that.
“Now that I’m part of this structure, I know what being a professional cyclist is all about,” he said.
Carapaz, who currently rides for UCI WorldTeam outfit Team Ineos, became the first Ecuadorian rider in history to win the race.
After winning last year’s Giro d’Italia, Richard Carapaz has every intention of doing so again in 2020. Photo: LaPresse
“The achievement was certainly significant in my country. In fact it is one of the biggest accomplishments in the history of Ecuador,” said Carapaz.
The 26-year-old cyclist plans to reach new heights this year by starting his season at Tour Columbia 2.1 and finally participating in the Tour de France for the first time.
“In terms of big targets, the one I want to win with my teammates is the Giro d’Italia, and [then to] do the Tour de France. That’s the target I wanted to set myself this year. In previous years I haven’t had the chance to do the Tour de France, so I think it’s time to do so now.”
Carapaz says he has an excellent team to support him and to get him started for 2020.
“I’ve known Sebastian Henao since I was 16. Life has now brought us back together once again at the age of 26, ten years later. It’s a friendship that goes back a long time.
“I’ve also spoken to Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, who are people I can learn so much from. Froome in particular used to be a role model for me.
“I’ve learnt so much from him. Now that I have him here as part of the team I’d like to continue to strengthen that friendship and, above all, go after our target as a team.
“I’ve known Jhonatan Narváez since I was seven, so we’ve shared so many things and we’re now here. He really helps me. English is very difficult for me at the moment so he is trying to help me with that.
“Egan Bernal and I have a very good friendship and have known each other for a long time. Being here with him in a team setting, and knowing that we are almost neighbours in Ecuador, means we have a special bond.
“Being able to go back to Columbia is a good thing for me. I’ve been there on previous occasions and I think this time is the perfect opportunity because Egan is the reigning Tour de France champion and I’m the Giro winner, so we want to produce our best in Tour Columbia.”
