A regal podium for the race for the five rings. With a fairytale setting like that of the Mount Fuji, which appeared from the clouds right at the end of the Olympic challenge, could not fail to be a race to remember. It was not, unfortunately, for Italy, but for Richard Carapaz who enjoyed the first roar of the Tokyo 2020 games.
At the Fuji Speedway, in fact, the doors were open for Japanese spectators, who filled the stands on the final straight, to enjoy Ecuador's second ever gold medal (the first in cycling) thanks to the sharp Charchi locomotive.
Carapaz in history
Here's his emotion, once he put it around his neck: "It was a bit of a crazy day. A tough race, I was patient and waited for my moment, then I found on my way a good escape companion (American McNulty, ed.) and the legs of my best days. When we got to a 20-second lead over our pursuers, we knew the medals were at stake, so I gave it my all. Once I entered the racetrack, I never looked back. There were a lot of good riders behind, so I just thought about going full speed ahead. In Ecuador they must have gone crazy." A celebration destined to echo until his return home.
And the celebration has already begun, at least on social media. The president of Ecuador, William Lasso, immediately congratulated him on Twitter, expressing a sense of great pride. And other Ecuadorian areas did the same: from Charchi (his province) to Macará, from Ande atAmazon and even to Galapagos.
Van Aert, still second
At the finish line of the road race, located in the prefecture of Shizuoka, we finally felt the Olympic atmosphere, After days in which spectators were forced to watch the competitions only on TV, the number of infections in this area is significantly lower than in the Tokyo area, and so the doors were able to open to local spectators. Smiles hidden by masks, children running happily in the long corridor in front of the stands: images that offer a glimpse of normality in this uncertain situation that has now enveloped us for over a year and a half. A gift from cycling to the Olympics.
Applause for everyone, even the most lagging riders, who deserved the most heartfelt cheers, along with the solo winner, were two other great protagonists of the Tour de France, who fought to the last millimeter, with a series of relentless efforts. The Belgian prevailed. Wout Van Aert, very angry at the finish line for another silver just like last year at the World Championships won by Julian Alaphilippe.
«I always run to win – said the Belgian – but I'm much happier than in Imola. I always have a silver medal around my neck, but an Olympic medal is definitely more important than a world championship medal. Today I found a stronger guy on my path, I did my best, until the final sprint."
He'll try again in three years in Paris, whatever the route, given his versatility. Besides, Wout has already shown that he really likes the French capital and its Champs-Élysées. But first, the test against the clock awaits him: "For Wednesday, I think I have a good chance. After the Tour de France, I recovered, I adapted to the jet lag and the heat, so even in the time trial aiming for the best possible result». Top Ganna is warned.
From yellow to bronze
He surrendered in the photo finish, but was happy with the bronze he had won, instead, the master of the last two Tours, Tadej Pogačar. The incredible Slovenian rode on the attack as always, putting on a show, and he was rewarded, proving that he is increasingly a man for one-day races too.
«I'm very happy with third place – said Pogacar – because I gave my all. I'm super, super happy that I was able to get on the podium at the Games Olympics. I attacked from afar because I felt good, I took the shot without thinking too much and a moment later I regretted it. I thought: when will this climb end? In any case, I have no regrets. With my push, I selected the best group and fought with them until the end, so it's okay."
