Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 8:37 am
EF Education-EasyPost will have to do without its two leaders for the remaining stages of the Tour of Switzerland. Richard Carapaz and Alberto Pettiol crashed on Wednesday during the fourth stage of the St. Gotthard Pass.
The two riders were able to continue on their way and were able to complete the stage, but it seemed that they were badly beaten. “Alberto suffered abrasions and bruises during his fall. Richard suffered another injury to his face and required stitches. Both riders will now have time to rest and recover,” the US formation reported on X.
Bitiol started the fourth stage of the Tour of Switzerland as leader, but it was not a fun day in yellow. The 30-year-old Italian managed to hold on for a long time on the St. Gotthard pass and crossed the finish line in 39th place, more than three minutes behind stage winner Torsten Train. Carapaz came just before that, in 22nd place, just two minutes behind the Norwegian.
An annoying moment
The bad news about Carapaz and Bitiol comes at an uncomfortable time for EF Education-EasyPost, just over two weeks before the start of the Tour de France (June 29-July 21). Carapaz is considered the ideal rider this summer to ride a good classification in the Tour, while Bitiol hopes to leave his mark on the race course as a stage stealer.
Update: Carapaz's participation in the Tour is not in jeopardy
Richard Carapaz provided an update on his condition on his website. “There's not much point in continuing to race. The injuries and associated infections make it difficult for me to eat at the moment. Right now I'm mainly thinking about recovery. My biggest goal remains the Tour de France, and that's what we're working on. I won't be cycling For two or three days, but after that I hope I can train normally again.
The Olympic champion in Tokyo was struck by a part of his teammate Alberto Pitiol's bike on Wednesday. Which resulted in a large internal wound. Up to five stitches were placed in one of his wounds. Carapaz now leaves for Andorra to reach the heights there, hoping to put the finishing touches on the upcoming Tour de France.
