Originally Posted by
MinnMan
Yeah, I've posted about this before. Growing up in Ecuador surely gives Carapaz an edge, even compared to the Colombians. AFAIK, there aren't any Bolivian prospects on the world tour. And though the passes in Colorado are high, there are no major cities in Colorado at elevations comparable to Quito. Leadville doesn't count, I don't think.
But not enough of an edge, it seems
Yup. I have been to Quito when my wife and I went to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and the elevation is pretty noticeable. I took the tram to the highest peak there while in Quito and at that point is is VERY noticeable and I (a person from the Bay Area which is not much more than sea level) had to be pretty careful with my efforts (and by efforts I mean just walking around) and I was happy to go back down to the "regular" Quito elevation.
There were tons of locals jogging and cycling like it was nothing though.