Richard Carapaz begins 2024 with Ecuadorian time trial title

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EF Education-EasyPost rider beats Cepeda, defending champion Caicedo in Riobamba

Richard Carapaz
Richard Carapaz (Image credit: Getty Images)

Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) won his third national championship title, adding a second victory in the time trial to his maiden title in 2022 and his road race victory last season.

Carapaz topped Caja Rural's Jefferson Cepeda by 43 seconds while defending champion Jonathan Caicedo (Petrolike) was third at 1:08 on the 40.6km course in Riobamba.

"It was a very demanding course," Carapaz said. "It was very flat, not really made for me, but there were a lot of technical corners where I could really show my potential and take advantage of my experience. I did a very even TT, where I could maintain my top effort from the very beginning.

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"I am so happy to take my first piece of silverware of the season and win this distinctive brilliant TT suit."

"Today was the first joy of the season," Carapaz said. "I know I am doing what I need to do right, and this is what motivates me for what is coming up next."

The former Giro d'Italia champion will then head to the UCI 2.1-ranked Tour Colombia to race alongside his EF Education-EasyPost teammates.

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Laura Weislo
Laura Weislo
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Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.