Sometimes, even champions are forced to take a step back—and for Richard Carapaz, that moment came just days before cycling’s biggest stage.
The Ecuadorian star, known for conquering brutal climbs and lighting up the mountains, has been ruled out of the 2025 Tour de France due to a sudden health issue.
Sudden Setback Hits at the Worst Time
Carapaz, the defending King of the Mountains from last year’s Tour, was preparing at home in Ecuador when things took an unexpected turn.
According to his team EF Education–EasyPost, he started experiencing severe stomach pain and high fever last week.
After medical evaluation, doctors recommended he avoid both long-distance travel and competitive racing.
As a result, the team made the tough call: Carapaz won’t be on the starting line when the Tour kicks off on July 5.
A Disappointment for the Team and Fans
EF’s team boss Jonathan Vaughters expressed just how heartbreaking this turn of events is for everyone involved.
“We’re all gutted for Richard,” he said. “He came out of the Giro in incredible form and made huge sacrifices to get there. The timing couldn’t be worse.
We know how much this race means to him—it’s a real blow.”
Carapaz had finished third in this year’s Giro d’Italia and was set to be EF’s leading rider for the Tour, making the withdrawal all the more painful.
Champion Pedigree, Forced Pause
At 32, Richard Carapaz has already made his mark in the world of cycling.
From winning the Giro d’Italia in 2019 to taking Olympic gold in 2020, and claiming both the King of the Mountains and the combativity award in last year’s Tour, he’s no stranger to the spotlight.
But this time, it’s his health that’s taking center stage.
The team confirmed he’ll take the next few weeks off to rest and recover fully before shifting his focus to the next goal.
Eyes on Spain for Redemption
Though the Tour de France is now off the table, Carapaz isn’t finished with the 2025 season.
His new target? The Vuelta a España, starting on August 23.
“His goal? Win the Vuelta,” his team announced—making it clear that while one opportunity is lost, another awaits on the winding roads of Spain.
