Carapaz to miss Tour of Britain over visa issue

London - Giro d'Italia winner Richard Carapaz cannot compete in the Tour of Britain as he has not been granted a visa on time, his Movistar Team announced on Friday.

Ecuadoran Carapaz, set to join Team Ineos next season, had been due to race alongside fellow Tour of Britain debutant and team-mate Mikel Landa in the race starting on Saturday.

Movistar said in a statement: "Sadly, and despite the Movistar Team following all procedures, Richard Carapaz's visa for the Tour of Britain has not been granted in time for him to travel."

The team said Hector Carretero would be replacing the 26-year-old, who won his first Grand Tour event in Italy earlier this year.

Team Ineos this week confirmed the signing of Carapaz from the start of the 2020 season.

He will be joining an impressive stable of riders that includes Tour de France winners Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Egan Bernal.

The Tour of Britain starts in Glasgow on Saturday and finishes in Manchester on September 14.