Richard Carapaz turned stage 20 of the Vuelta a España into one last Vuelta podium chase. Felix Gall matched every acceleration, then finished the job on the final climb.
The EF Education-EasyPost leader raced aggressively throughout the race’s hardest stage. He needed to dislodge Gall to reach the final podium, but the Austrian refused to give way. Gall secured third overall behind Enric Mas and Primož Roglič.
Carapaz Vuelta podium bid starts early
Carapaz began his assault nearly 100 kilometres from the finish. On the first ascent of Puerto de El Purche, he jumped from the group of favourites. The move forced Mas, Gall and Roglič into an immediate response.
That early attack set the pattern for the penultimate stage. Carapaz had little reason to ride conservatively, with a podium place still within reach. His attacks targeted Gall, rather than Mas in the red jersey.
Carapaz later said Mas understood the situation. The Ecuadorian said he believed Mas knew he was not the main danger. Carapaz explained that EF were searching for their own opportunities, not the overall lead.
The pressure continued when the race returned to El Purche. Carapaz accelerated again, keeping Gall under constant stress. Mas focused on protecting red, while Roglič defended second place in the general classification.
EF Education-EasyPost also used Juan Rodríguez to support the plan. Rodríguez had been in the break, then dropped back to assist his leader. His work helped Carapaz launch repeated moves on El Duque.
Carapaz praised Rodríguez after the stage. He said the young rider was improving quickly and becoming a strong rider. EF’s collective effort kept the podium fight alive deep into the stage.
Gall turns defence into attack
Gall answered each move before the final ascent of Collado del Alguacil. There, the contest changed. After spending the day on the defensive, Gall attacked and opened the gap he needed over Carapaz.
That acceleration ended Carapaz’s final hope of reaching the Vuelta podium. Gall’s ride confirmed third overall and gave him a second Grand Tour podium of the season. He had already finished runner-up at the Giro d’Italia.
Carapaz crossed the line without the result he wanted, but not with regret. He said EF had “nothing to lose” and had tried everything available. He also said the team had done a great job.
The Ecuadorian summed up the day by saying he believed EF did what it had to do. On the Vuelta’s toughest stage, Carapaz raced exactly that way. He attacked early, attacked often, and made Gall earn the podium.
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