Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) will not feature at this year’s La Vuelta – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ – after delaying his return to cycling.

After a typically strong showing at the Giro d’Italia, the Ecuadorian was struck down with a gastrointestinal infection that ruled him out of the Tour de France.

He had hoped to recover in time for La Vuelta, which runs from August 23 to September 14, but has decided not to rush his comeback, meaning he will miss the final Grand Tour of the year.

“After the illness I had, I had to stop several times as I couldn’t train for more than two or three days at a time,” said Carapaz.

“Now in Ecuador, I’m trying to get back to normal with training and continue moving forward with what we had planned. I’m almost fully recovered now.”

And there is still plenty for the 32-year-old to look forward to. In particular, Carapaz is targeting the UCI Road World Championships towards the end of September, with all eyes on Rwanda as the event heads to Africa for the first time in its history.

October’s Il Lombardia in Italy is also on Carapaz’s radar. “Now, the next goals we’ve set are the Italian classics, especially Il Lombardia, and also the World Championships in Rwanda,” added Carapaz.

“It’s a very special World Championship for me, where I have a big opportunity, and I want to prepare for it the best way possible.

“That’s why I came to Ecuador: to do some altitude training, regain motivation, and focus 100%. Certain factors play in our favour, and we want to make the most of them.”

How to watch La Vuelta on TV and live stream

Watch every stage of La Vuelta live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.Stream the cycling season, including La Vuelta, live on TNT Sports and discovery+