Career Timeline of Richard Carapaz: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Discover the career path of Richard Carapaz, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Richard Carapaz is a highly accomplished Ecuadorian professional road cyclist and a major figure in international cycling. He gained global prominence by winning the 2019 Giro d'Italia, becoming the first Ecuadorian to ever win a Grand Tour. Known for his tactical intelligence and climbing prowess, he further cemented his legacy by securing the gold medal in the men's individual road race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Throughout his career, Carapaz has consistently performed at the highest level, achieving podium finishes in all three Grand Tours—the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España. His success has made him a national hero in Ecuador and one of the most recognizable climbers in the professional peloton.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Historical Context of South American Giro Winners

In 2014, Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana became the first South American rider to win the Giro d'Italia, a feat that provided historical context for Richard Carapaz's own victory in 2019 when he became the second South American to achieve this honor.

July 2016: Joining Movistar Team

On 28 July 2016, Richard Carapaz transitioned from the amateur team Lizarte to join Movistar Team as a trainee for the rest of the 2016 cycling season.

2017: Turning Professional

In 2017, Richard Carapaz officially signed his contract to become a professional cyclist.

2018: Breakthrough Professional Cycling Season

In 2018, Richard Carapaz achieved his first professional victories by winning a stage and the overall title at the Vuelta a Asturias. During the same year, he made history as the first Ecuadorian cyclist to win a Grand Tour stage when he triumphed in stage 8 of the Giro d'Italia, where he eventually placed fourth in the general classification. He also successfully completed the 2018 Vuelta a España, finishing in 18th place overall.

2019: Victory at the 2019 Giro d'Italia

In 2019, Richard Carapaz achieved a historic milestone by winning the 2019 Giro d'Italia. During the race, he secured multiple stage wins, including an attack on stage 4 and a decisive move on stage 14 that helped him capture the general classification lead. By successfully defending his position, Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian rider to ever win a Grand Tour.

2019: Giro d'Italia Victory

In 2019, Richard Carapaz achieved a major career milestone by winning the Giro d'Italia, becoming the first Ecuadorian cyclist to secure victory in this prestigious race.

2020: Richard Carapaz joins Team INEOS

In 2020, Richard Carapaz officially joined Team INEOS, signing a three-year contract that marked a significant new chapter in his professional cycling career.

July 2021: Olympic Gold Medal

In July 2021, Richard Carapaz won the gold medal in the road race at the 2020 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Ecuadorian cyclist to earn an Olympic medal and the first person to achieve both an Olympic road race gold and a podium finish in all three Grand Tours.

2021: Victory at the Tour de Suisse

Throughout 2021, Richard Carapaz achieved his first season victory on 10 June by winning the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse, ultimately securing the general classification lead and winning the overall race by 17 seconds.

August 2022: Transfer Announcement to EF Education–EasyPost

In August 2022, it was officially announced that professional cyclist Richard Carapaz would be joining the EF Education–EasyPost team starting from the 2023 season on a three-year contract.

2022: 2022 Racing Season Challenges and Triumphs

During the 2022 season, Richard Carapaz faced several setbacks, including crashing at the Étoile de Bessèges in February and withdrawing from the Tour de la Provence due to COVID-19. Despite these challenges, he secured his first elite-level Ecuadorian National Time Trial Championship title and achieved a notable stage win at the 2022 Volta a Catalunya following a long-distance breakaway with Sergio Higuita.

2023: Commencement of EF Education–EasyPost Contract

In 2023, Richard Carapaz officially began his tenure with the cycling team EF Education–EasyPost as part of the three-year agreement finalized in August 2022.

2024: Richard Carapaz's 2024 Tour de France Campaign

During the 2024 Tour de France, Richard Carapaz achieved historic milestones for Ecuador, including wearing the yellow jersey after Stage 3, winning Stage 17, and securing the polka-dot jersey as the King of the Mountains classification winner, despite facing a crash and illness earlier in the season.

2025: Absence from Major Cycling Tours due to Health Issues

In 2025, Richard Carapaz announced via Instagram that he would miss the Tour de France due to a severe case of gastroenteritis. Additionally, he was unable to participate in the 2025 Vuelta a España, forcing him to shift his focus to the autumn Italian classics and the World Championships in Rwanda, where he ultimately finished 11th in the Giro dell'Emilia.

2026: Selection for the 2026 Tour de France

In 2026, Richard Carapaz was officially selected to participate in the prestigious Tour de France cycling race.

2026: Absence from 2026 Giro d'Italia

In 2026, Richard Carapaz withdrew from competing in the Giro d'Italia following a medical procedure to remove a perineal cyst, shifting his focus toward preparing for the Tour de France.