Ecuador's Richard Carapaz produced a powerful late burst after six-hour slog to win gold in a thrilling Olympic men's road race as favourite Tadej Pogacar was beaten into third place at the Fuji International Speedway on Saturday.
As expected, Slovenian Pogacar launched his assault for victory on the fearsome Mikuni Pass, a brutal climb around 35 km from the end of a 234km race ridden in hot and humid conditions.
Escaping with American Brandon McNulty on the short Kagosaka climb before a long descent back to the racing circuit finale, the duo put almost a minute on a flagging pack. Nicknamed La Locomotora for his relentless climbing, the South American found another gear and began to extend his lead with every turn of the pedals in front of hundreds of cheering spectators lining the circuit.
"It's an incredible moment for me. You always have to believe. I have worked so hard to be here and it's a huge moment," the 28-year-old from Tulcan told reporters.Carapaz is also the first south American to win an Olympic road race dominated in the past by Europeans and expected to have been on Saturday, with Pogacar the favourite.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Carapaz wins men's road race for Ecuador's 1st cycling medalRichard Carapaz rode away from the biggest names in cycling to win the Olympic road race
Leer más »
Ecuador’s Carapaz Goes From Third in the Tour de France to First at the OlympicsBarely six days after reaching the Tour de France podium in Paris, Richard Carapaz took the second Olympic gold in Ecuador's history.
Leer más »
Chinese shooter Qian Yang wins 1st gold medal awarded at the Tokyo OlympicsJUST IN: Chinese shooter Qian Yang wins first gold medal awarded at the Tokyo Olympics. Tokyo2020
Leer más »
Cycling-Dutch armada aim to paint road orangeAnna van der Breggen knows that if she is to celebrate her final year as a professional cyclist with a second successive Olympic title she will have to beat a team mate on Sunday.
Leer más »