Carapaz withdraws from cycling worlds due to family emergency

Richard Carapaz, the former Olympic champion from Ecuador, has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the cycling world championship road race due to a pressing family matter. He announced that he is returning to Ecuador to be with his daughter, who recently underwent emergency surgery. Carapaz expressed relief that the surgery was successful but emphasized that his daughter still needs ongoing care. The 31-year-old cyclist, who was recognized as the best climber in this year's Tour de France, stated that the family emergency has significantly impacted his training regimen. He acknowledged that he has not been able to train for several days, which has affected his physical and mental readiness for the competition. Carapaz's absence from the world championship is notable, especially considering his impressive track record, including winning the road race at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Despite his achievements, he was not selected to defend his title at the upcoming Paris Games this summer, which adds to the weight of his current situation. The men's road race is set to conclude the world championship program in Zurich, Switzerland, on Sunday. Carapaz's withdrawal highlights the personal challenges athletes can face, reminding fans and fellow competitors alike that family obligations can take precedence over professional commitments.