Tour de France 2026: Richard Carapaz wins stage 18
Richard Carapaz of Ecuador secured victory in stage 18 of the Tour de France, executing a strong breakaway. The EF Education-Easypost rider finished 45 seconds ahead of Mauro Schmid of Switzerland, representing Jayco-Alula, and Matteo Jorgenson of the United States, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike.
The 185.2km mountainous stage on Thursday, from Voiron to Ocieres Merlette, marked the initial day of three challenging days in the French Alps. Carapaz’s aggressive riding style was a highlight, as he managed to distance himself from competitors like Valentin Paret-Peintre of Soudal Quick Step, who is wearing the King of the Mountains jersey on behalf of the current leader.
Meanwhile, the team of overall leader Tadej Pogacar, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, appears to be experiencing health issues among its riders. Key domestique Brandon McNulty had to withdraw from the race during the stage due to sickness.
Despite these challenges within his team, Slovenia’s Pogacar continues to hold the yellow jersey, maintaining a lead of four minutes 32 seconds over Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. He is also six minutes 51 seconds ahead of his teammate, Mexico’s Isaac del Toro, who is in third place overall.
Carapaz’s Stage Victory
Carapaz’s stage win is his first in this year’s race and his second overall. He timed his attack effectively on the final climb, moving ahead approximately three kilometres from the summit. He was not pursued by Pogacar’s group, as he is not considered a contender for the overall Tour victory, currently holding the 10th position in the general classification.
Carapaz expressed his satisfaction with the win, dedicating it to his family and noting the hard work involved. He mentioned that the final climb was particularly suited to his strengths. He also won the 2019 Giro d’Italia.
During the stage, Carapaz had a close call with a fan on the road but managed to swerve around them. Earlier in the stage, Jorgenson was part of a small leading group after the Category 1 climb up Côte d’Engins, before Carapaz joined them, while Pogacar’s group remained further back.
Pogacar’s Overall Standing and Team Concerns
Pogacar, who is aiming for his third consecutive Tour de France title and fifth overall, remains in a strong position in the general classification as the race progresses into its final stages in the Alps. He also retains the King of the Mountain jersey, though by a narrow margin of one point, and Del Toro holds the white young rider’s jersey.
The loss of a domestique, McNulty, could pose a challenge for Pogacar, especially given their role in early stages with significant climbing. The upcoming two stages are set to conclude on the iconic Alpe d’Huez, known for its brutal climbs.
Mads Pedersen of Denmark has extended his lead in the green jersey classification, but remains vulnerable to Belgium’s Jasper Philipsen.
Upcoming Alpine Challenges
The race faces tough climbs in the coming days. Friday’s 19th stage will conclude with an HC climb, the hardest category, up L’Alpe d’Huez. The 20th and penultimate stage on Saturday is anticipated to be particularly demanding, featuring three HC climbs: Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier, and Col de Sarenne, in addition to a Category 1 climb up Col du Télégraphe, before a hilly finish back to L’Alpe d’Huez.
The Tour de France is scheduled to conclude on Sunday on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Source: bbc.com
