Late withdrawal from Vuelta for Giro winner Richard Carapaz
Injuries suffered in Sunday crash means no 2019 Grand Tour double for Ecuadorian
It was bad news for Movistar and Vuelta a España fans in general on Thursday, as Movistar announced that Giro d’Italia champion Richard Carapaz wouldn’t be contesting the Vuelta after crash injuries suffered on Sunday thwarted the Ecuadorian’s quest to win the 2019 Grand Tour double. Carapaz crashed in the Profronde van Etten-Leur criterium in the Netherlands, injuring his right shoulder. JJ Rojas will take his place in Saturday’s team time trial start.
This comes as a blow for Movistar, who could have done with a different kind of “trident”, this one consisting of Carapaz, Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde.
That's pretty incredible and sad. ? Richard Carapaz won't take the start of La Vuelta after he crashed on Sunday, in a post-Tour criterium. Huge loss for the race, I think he could have won it. #LaVuelta19 https://t.co/1eu0mcP8k1
— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) August 22, 2019
Rojas was with the squad for the team presentations in Salinas de Torrevieja.
Gracias, Moraira, por el estupendo ambiente en la presentación de equipos de #LaVuelta19 ?? #RodamosJuntos
Ⓜ️ @alejanvalverde, @NairoQuinCo, @jjrojillas, @solermarc93, @ImanolErviti, @Arcas92, @Nelsoliveira89, @pedrero_antonio
? @PhotoGomezSport pic.twitter.com/GCBMb3RZQA
— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) August 22, 2019
There has been plenty of speculation that Carapaz is off to Ineos next year.