Richard Carapaz Aims to Win La Vuelta and Issues a Warning: ‘We’re Here to Fight for the Title, and This Was Just the First Step’

Richard Carapaz Eyes Vuelta Victory with Bold Message: “We’re Going for the Title, and This Was Our First Move

Richard Carapaz made a significant impact during Stage 18 of the 2024 Vuelta a España. His team, EF Education-EasyPost, attempted to shake up the competition by launching strategic attacks. While Carapaz didn’t directly topple all his rivals, his efforts distanced Mikel Landa, effectively knocking him out of contention for the podium.

Ben O’Connor briefly fell back to the peloton, but it was Landa who ultimately lost 3:20 at the finish line, leaving Carapaz with one less rival for the podium in Madrid. After the stage, Carapaz explained his team’s tactics and emphasized his goal to compete for the Vuelta title in the final three days of the race.

Carapaz’s two attacks on the final climb made a crucial difference, allowing him to connect with two teammates from the day’s breakaway. “It was a really tough last climb, so we decided to push the pace. James Shaw and Owain Doull did a great job after falling back. I’m really happy with the outcome. I’m feeling stronger each day, and today we made some real gains. We want to fight for the title, and this was just the first move,” he said.

With fatigue becoming a critical factor, Carapaz acknowledged that every opportunity must be seized. “It’s been a tough Vuelta, and there are still a few days left. I’m feeling confident heading into this final week, and we’re going to keep pushing. Tomorrow will be another difficult stage, but I’m ready for it.”

Carapaz currently sits in fourth place overall, 1:46 behind red jersey holder Ben O’Connor, 1:41 behind virtual leader Primoz Roglic, and just 21 seconds off the podium, currently held by Enric Mas. Behind him, he has a buffer of 2:02 over fifth-placed David Gaudu. With two challenging mountain stages and a decisive time trial still ahead, Carapaz remains firmly in the hunt for victory.