2019 Giro d'Italia winner Richard Karapas described reports of the bodies of COVID-19 victims being left on the streets in Ecuador as "heartbreaking" and made it clear that he is ready to help those who have lost their jobs and are struggling to feed their families.

"It is heartbreaking to see what is happening in my country and in the whole world. It's very sad," the soft-spoken Carapaz said in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport published on Wednesday.

"Everyone has seen the horrible images. I don't know what to say. The worst affected area was Guayaquil, near the coast. It's about 700 kilometers from where I am, but it's a key economic and tourist city."

Kalapas had moved from Movistar to Team Ineos for the 2020 season and was in Europe, but following the tragic death of director Nicholas Portal and the growing threat of the coronavirus, the British world tour team decided to end all activities in early March The decision was made. Carapaz then returned to Ecuador to be with his family.

Calapaz was a national hero in Ecuador, becoming the first rider from the South American country to win the Grand Tour of cycling. He rode outdoors until March 17, after which he chose to stay indoors.

"I try to stay fit, using a home trainer and working on my core. But it's not easy because I don't have a concrete idea of when I'll be able to race again. It's hard to imagine, and most importantly, my health is the most important thing. [I don't think any country in the world was ready. What is important now is that we all do our part to stop the spread of the virus by respecting the rules."

"Fortunately, where I live, there are few infected people. My parents live nearby and they are all fine. I am trying to help provide food for those who have lost their jobs. It may be a small help, but it can make a big difference."

Kalapas led Ineos in the Corsa Rosa in May and would have been in line to defend his Giro d'Italia title. The Giro could still be held in October, but Kalapas was devastated by the sudden change in routine.

"I was looking forward to defending my title and this time last year I was preparing for the Giro d'Italia. I was going to run the Tour de Alps to prepare, but now I don't even know when I'll be back in the peloton. The world has changed.

"It's not easy, but we have to be optimistic and believe that if everyone does their part, things will slowly return to normal. I think we can get out of this and that's why I'm taking it upon myself to be optimistic."