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Richard Carapaz, the 2019 Giro d'Italia champion, will not participate in the 2026 edition due to recovery from surgery. This absence marks a significant blow to the race's general classification contenders.
Carapaz, 32, is healing from the removal of a perineal cyst and has shifted his focus to the Tour de France instead. His decision follows a week of withdrawals, including former podium finisher and race leader João Almeida, who is still recovering from illness, and Mikel Landa, who suffered a pelvis fracture.
With Carapaz's history of strong performances in the Giro, including fourth in 2018, victory in 2019, and podium finishes in 2022 and 2025, this news alters the competitive landscape of the race. He expressed deep disappointment, stating, “The Giro is a race that I've always had a lot of affection for,” and emphasized the importance of prioritizing his health moving forward.
None of the top three finishers from last year’s Giro will be competing this time, intensifying Jonas Vingegaard's status as the leading favorite. Carapaz's withdrawal leaves a notable gap in the lineup, raising questions about the dynamics of this year’s race.
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