Richard Carapaz (EF Education Easypost) has already shown that he is in good form in the recent Italian races. After a mediocre season, the Ecuadorian seems to be returning to his best form. In the upcoming Il Lombardia on Saturday (07.10), he hopes to put his name on a monument for the first time in his career.
“After a strange and disappointing season, where there was always something wrong, the good feeling is finally starting to come back. I am beginning to approach my best form again,” said the Olympic champion in a statement from his team.
Good results in Italy
Carapaz has made a strong impression in recent days. In the Giro dell’Emilia, he was the only one who managed to keep up with the acceleration of Pogacar and Roglic. A few days later, the 30-year-old finished second in the Tre Valli Varesine, behind Ilan Van Wilder but this time ahead of the two Slovenians.
“And I’ve been riding very well in the last few days here in Italy. That gives me a lot of confidence heading into Sunday. I want to compete for victory in Lombardia. Obviously, only one person can raise their hands on Saturday, and I believe I can be that person.”
Carapaz will be the clear leader of EF Education-EasyPost during the ‘race of the falling leaves,’ but with Ben Healy and Esteban Chaves, the American team still has several options for victory. Chaves has already won the Il Lombardia in 2016, while this season’s standout, Ben Healy, has shown during the Giro d’Italia that he can handle the Italian roads exceptionally well.