After missing the Tour de France due to a gastrointestinal infection, Richard Carapaz   He had his sights set on the Vuelta a España. But the former Olympic champion, along with the EF medical staff, decided to delay his return to racing to ensure he could perform at his best.

"After the illness I had, I had to stop several times because I couldn't train for more than two or three days at a time," Carapaz said. "Now in Ecuador, I'm trying to get back to normal training and continue with what we had planned. And I'm almost fully recovered."

Even though his recovery hasn't been easy, the EF rider knows there are still plenty of opportunities this year. With the Italian Classics and the World Championships in Rwanda on the horizon, he's rediscovered his spark and is eager for what lies ahead.

"Now, our next goals are the Italian classics, especially the Lombardia, and also the World Championships in Rwanda. It's a very special World Championships for me, where I have a great opportunity and I want to prepare as best as possible. That's why I came to Ecuador: to do some altitude training, recharge my batteries, and focus 100%. There are some factors that are working in our favor, and we want to make the most of them."

After winning the Olympics and taking part in stages in all three Grand Tours, donning the rainbow stripes would be the crowning achievement of an already illustrious career.

Sprint Cycling Photos