2024-07-08 02:46:25
CYCLING
Richard Carapaz continues to make history in world cycling. On Monday, the Ecuadorian cyclist became the new leader of the Tour de France in the third stage.
Despite finishing in 14th place, Carapaz snatched the top spot from Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, now sharing the same cumulative time with current two-time champion Jonas Vingegaard and Belgian Remco Evenepoel.
The third stage, 230.8 kilometers long, is a completely flat course, a favorable terrain for sprinters. The winner of the day was the Eritrean Biniam Girmay, of the Intermarché-Wanty team, crossing the finish line before the Colombian Fernando Gaviria and the Belgian Arnaud De Lie. However, Carapaz, with a time of 05:26:48, arrived with the main peloton, keeping up with the other title contenders. With a cumulative time of 15:20:18 after these first three stages, Carapaz is the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey, the symbol of the leader of the Tour de France. The fourth stage of the Tour takes place today, Tuesday, with a 139.6 kilometer course from Pinerolo to Valloire, a mountain course that favors Carapaz’s abilities. This type of terrain is where the Ecuadorian cyclist feels most comfortable in competition.