Ecuador's 2021 Olympic cycling champion Richard Carapaz announced on Monday that he will not participate in the world championship road race scheduled for next Sunday. The decision comes as he prioritizes the health of his daughter, who recently underwent an "emergency operation." Carapaz shared on social media that while the procedure in Ecuador went well, his daughter requires continued observation due to her health condition.
The 31-year-old cyclist, known for his mountain climbing prowess, mentioned that he had been unable to train properly in the days leading up to the event. As a result, he feels he is not in the appropriate physical or mental state to compete effectively. Carapaz expressed his deep commitment to representing Ecuador, emphasizing how important it is to him as an athlete.
Despite his aspirations for the race, Carapaz acknowledged the importance of family, stating, "We are all human beings... and the health of my family is my priority." His withdrawal from the championship highlights the personal challenges athletes face off the bike.
Had he competed, Carapaz would have been a strong contender for a medal, given the challenging 273.9-kilometer course in Zurich that features 4,000 meters of climbing. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the competition as he focuses on supporting his family during this time.
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