Richard “Richie” Carapaz, one of cycling’s most decorated climbers and a former Olympic champion, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Tour de France after being sidelined by a stomach infection. The illness hit just days before the Grand Tour, with the Ecuadorian rider experiencing abdominal pain and a high fever while training at home.

Doctors advised Carapaz to avoid long-haul travel and high-intensity racing. His team, EF Education–EasyPost, confirmed the decision and described it as both difficult and necessary. Carapaz, a fan favorite and reigning polka-dot jersey winner, was expected to challenge top names like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard in the mountain stages of this year’s Tour.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Carapaz said: “It’s with great sadness that I won’t be at the start line in Lille. I’ve worked hard all season, but health always comes first.” The message resonated with fans, many of whom saw him as a serious podium contender following his impressive third-place finish at the Giro d’Italia earlier this month.

The 2025 Tour de France is set to begin on July 5 in Lille and conclude on July 27 in Paris. Carapaz’s absence is a major blow not only to EF Education–EasyPost but also to the race’s dynamic, as he was one of the few riders capable of aggressively challenging in the high mountains.

Rather than rush back and risk further complications, the 31-year-old will take several weeks off to fully recover before refocusing on the Vuelta a España, which starts August 23. The Spanish Grand Tour has been a successful hunting ground for Carapaz in the past—he finished second overall in 2020 and placed fourth last year, showing his ability to peak late in the season.

The team remains optimistic about his recovery and long-term form. “Richard is a fighter, and we know he’ll come back even stronger,” a spokesperson from EF Education–EasyPost stated. “Our priority is his full recovery. There’s still a lot of racing left in the season.”

This setback underscores the unpredictability of Grand Tour cycling, where preparation and timing are everything. Carapaz had been in top form following the Giro and was one of the team’s primary hopes for a podium finish. Now, his focus will shift toward using the summer to rebuild strength and aim for a strong showing in Spain.

Despite the disappointment, Carapaz’s mature decision to step back highlights the increasing emphasis professional athletes are placing on health and long-term performance. Fans will now look ahead to August, where Carapaz could potentially turn a missed opportunity into a major comeback at the Vuelta.