Image: from FRANCE 24 English X @France24_en
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Richard Carapaz produced a trademark attacking ride to claim victory on Stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France, launching a decisive solo move on the final climb to Orcières-Merlette and climbing into the overall top ten with just three stages remaining.
The Ecuadorian rider from EF Education-EasyPost mastered the first major Alpine stage of this year’s race, crossing the finish line alone after an aggressive performance from the day’s breakaway. Despite Carapaz’s success, race leader Tadej Pogačar comfortably retained the yellow jersey and moved one step closer to securing a fifth Tour de France title.
🔻 A strong attack, followed by a final kilometre at full throttle before celebrating a magnificent victory – well done, Richard Carapaz!
🔻 A sharp attack followed by a final kilometre at full throttle before celebrating a magnificent victory – bravo, Richard Carapaz!#TDF2026…
— US/UKsportsHQ (@GOsisike) July 23, 2026
Carapaz launches winning attack
Stage 18 covered 185.2 kilometres from Voiron to Orcières-Merlette, featuring nearly 4,000 metres of climbing and marking the beginning of the decisive Alpine trilogy.
A large breakaway formed early in the stage before the strongest climbers gradually emerged at the front.
Carapaz waited until the final ascent before launching a powerful acceleration approximately 3.5 kilometres from the summit, quickly distancing his remaining rivals.
The Olympic champion rode alone to the finish, taking an emotional victory after one of the strongest climbing performances of the Tour.
Swiss rider Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla) finished 45 seconds behind in second place, while Matteo Jorgenson (Visma–Lease a Bike) completed the podium in third, also 45 seconds adrift.
Stage 18 Results
- Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost)
- Mauro Schmid (Jayco AlUla) +45″
- Matteo Jorgenson (Visma–Lease a Bike) +45″
- Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal Quick-Step) +1’14”
- Tobias Halland Johannessen (Uno-X Mobility) +1’57”
Carapaz returns to the top ten
The stage victory rewarded weeks of aggressive racing by Carapaz, who has repeatedly animated mountain stages throughout this Tour.
The Ecuadorian’s performance lifted him back into the Top 10 of the General Classification, providing a significant boost for EF Education-EasyPost after several near misses earlier in the race.
Pogačar remains firmly in yellow
Behind the breakaway, the leading contenders for the overall classification largely marked one another.
Pogačar crossed the finish safely alongside his principal rivals, preserving his commanding lead despite allowing the escape group to contest the stage victory.
After Stage 18, the Slovenian continues to lead Remco Evenepoel by 4 minutes and 32 seconds, while Isaac del Toro remains third overall.
General Classification after Stage 18
- Tadej Pogačar (UAE Emirates XRG)
- Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) +4’32”
- Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates XRG) +6’51”
- Paul Seixas (Decathlon CMA CGM) +7’11”
- Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) +9’22”
Carapaz’s victory also elevated him into the overall top ten as the race heads deeper into the Alps.
Illness concerns inside UAE Team Emirates
Although Pogačar remains the overwhelming favourite for overall victory, attention has shifted toward the health of his team.
Reports indicate that illness has affected several members of UAE Team Emirates XRG, with Brandon McNulty abandoning the race and teammates Tim Wellens and Florian Vermeersch also reportedly experiencing symptoms.
Pogačar acknowledged concerns about the situation but expressed confidence that his team could continue defending the yellow jersey through the remaining mountain stages.
Green and polka-dot battles continue
The fight for the secondary classifications also intensified.
Mads Pedersen strengthened his position in the points competition by collecting maximum points at the intermediate sprint, extending his advantage in the battle for the green jersey.
Meanwhile, Carapaz’s stage victory significantly improved his position in the mountains classification, reducing the gap to race leader Pogačar and keeping the polka-dot contest alive heading into the final Alpine stages.
Alps set to decide the Tour
With only a handful of stages remaining before the traditional finish in Paris, the Tour now enters its decisive final phase.
Pogačar remains in complete control of the General Classification, but the remaining mountain stages offer opportunities for rivals to challenge for podium positions and secondary jerseys.
Meanwhile, Carapaz’s spectacular victory serves as another reminder of his reputation as one of cycling’s most aggressive climbers, delivering one of the standout performances of the 2026 Tour de France.