Around 9:00 p.m., the flight of the Iberia airline arrived, carrying Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz, who finished second in the Vuelta a España last weekend.
In the morning, the rider had announced that he would not be available in public areas of the terminal for health safety reasons, and also asked people not to go to the Antonio José de Sucre airport to avoid crowds.
The airport illuminated the control tower with the colors of the Ecuadorian flag to welcome the Locomotora de Carchi, the best Ecuadorian cyclist. They also shared a video of the traditional water arch that is implemented for the arrival of aircraft on special occasions as the plane circled the runway.
¡Welcome home ----, mijín @RichardCarapazM!
Corporation @Quiport #AeropuertoUIO welcomes our #LocomotoraDelCarchi-- with water arch. Thank you for filling us with pride in your outstanding participation in #LaVuelta --.— aeropuertouio (@AeropuertoUIO) November 11, 2020
Carapaz is expected to hold a press conference on Friday.
The control tower was illuminated with the colors of the Ecuadorian flag. Photo: API
The athlete announced on his social media that he will be in the country as a guest at the last two stages of the Vuelta a Ecuador, which starts on November 22nd and runs until the 28th.
"From Madrid, I announce that I will be a guest at the last two stages of the Vuelta al Ecuador 2020, on November 27th and 28th. Take good care and enjoy this great event," wrote the Locomotora on his Twitter account, accompanied by a video. (I)