Carapaz "had to play cards early" and did a really good job: Ecuadorian now third in the GC

"I knew it would be a tough day," the EF man began. "I felt good today. We had to play our cards early because I was well down in the GC." Carapaz certainly played his cards early: he attacked from within the peloton on the day's first climb.

"I tried, and in the end, it worked out well. Fantastic to end it like that with a second place," the visibly proud Ecuadorian continued his story. "I already knew it would be difficult, but I trusted in my preparation and my training. I had to be patient, and I did that today. It went well, and I knew I was the strongest when I attacked."

With his fabulous performance, Carapaz is now the new number three in the GC, 4.32 minutes behind leader Ben O'Connor. Where the EF Education-EasyPost rider's classification will end up, he dare not say. "We did a fantastic job, and I'll see where I end up. There are still many tough stages," the Ecuadorian looks ahead down-to-earthly.