Richard Carapaz, the EF Education-EasyPost leader and former Olympic champion, has undergone successful surgery to address a persistent medical issue, potentially complicating his build-up to the 2026 Giro d’Italia.
The 32-year-old Ecuadorian, affectionately known as the "Locomotive of Carchi," confirmed the procedure via social media, following his participation in the Volta a Catalunya.
A "Necessary" Procedure
According to team statements and Carapaz’s own updates, the surgery was performed to treat a perineal condition - a common but painful ailment for professional cyclists often caused by long hours in the saddle. While the timing is less than ideal, Carapaz remains optimistic.
"It wasn't part of the plan, but it was handled in the best possible way," Carapaz posted on Instagram from his hospital bed. "The surgery was necessary... from now on, I am fully focused on my recovery and on getting back to peak condition ahead of the Giro."
The surgery was performed at Axxis Hospital by Dr. Reinhart and his medical team. The procedure reportedly went "according to plan," and the rider has already begun the initial phases of his rehabilitation.
Historical Grande Partenza in Bulgaria
The urgency of Carapaz's recovery is heightened by the unique nature of this year's race. For the first time in history, the Giro d'Italia will host its Grande Partenza in Bulgaria, marking a significant Eastern European expansion for the Corsa Rosa. The race kicks off on May 8 with a flat 156 km opener from Nessebar to Burgas along the Black Sea coast. The Bulgarian stay continues with a grueling 220 km second stage to Veliko Tarnovo - featuring a steep uphill finish at the Lyaskovets Monastery - before concluding the three-day stint with a high-speed finish in the capital, Sofia.
This will be a second appearance at the Italian Grand Tour with Carapaz leading EF Education-EasyPost. Last year, he rode well in the mountains, with eight top 10s and a stage 11 victory at Castelnovo ne' Monti, dropping then-GC leader Isaac del Toro with a powerful attack. The two faced off in a tactical battle in the third week of the Giro, which would open the door by stage 20 for Simon Yates to grab the pink jersey and win the overall on the final day.
Race Against the Clock
The surgery comes at a critical juncture in the 2026 cycling calendar. With the Giro d'Italia set to begin on May 8, Carapaz has approximately five weeks to recover, resume training, and find his climbing legs.
Despite the underlying discomfort, Carapaz’s early 2026 form had been promising:
- Volta a Catalunya: Finished 10th overall (just like last year) in late March, proving his grit despite the injury.
- Tirreno-Adriatico: Used as a key building block for his fitness. He finished 18th in Italy, mirroring his 2025 result.
- Contract Extension: Recently confirmed to stay with EF Education-EasyPost through 2028.
The Road Ahead
For EF Education-EasyPost, Carapaz remains their primary hope for a General Classification podium. Having won the Giro in 2019 and finished third in the 2025 edition, his pedigree in Italy is unmatched.
Medical experts suggest that while perineal surgeries require a complete break from the bike to allow for proper healing, the aerobic base Carapaz has built through the early season should help him retain much of his competitive edge. If his recovery stays on track, fans can expect to see the Ecuadorian colors at the start line in Burgas, hunting for a second Pink Jersey.
