Ecuadorean cyclist Richard Carapaz produced a stunning solo performance to win Stage 18 of the Tour de France on Thursday, launching a decisive attack on the final climb to Orcières-Merlette. The EF Education-EasyPost rider crossed the finish line alone, 45 seconds ahead of Mauro Schmid, while Matteo Jorgenson secured third place.
Despite the stage battle, overall race leader Tadej Pogačar and the other general classification contenders chose not to contest the victory, finishing more than four minutes behind. Pogačar successfully retained his overall lead of 4 minutes and 32 seconds over Remco Evenepoel.
Carapaz Secures Ninth Grand Tour Stage Victory
The victory marked Carapaz’s ninth Grand Tour stage win and lifted him to 10th place in the overall standings.
Speaking after the race, Carapaz said:
“This final climb was tough and suited my strengths well. I bided my time… and the best thing is that I was able to enjoy the victory.”
He added:
“This was a hard-fought victory, but just as tough as the first one. It gets harder every year to win here.”
Fast Start Despite Mountainous Terrain
The 185.2-kilometre stage from Voiron to Orcières-Merlette began at a rapid pace, with riders covering 42.5 kilometres in the opening hour despite the demanding mountain route.
Mads Pedersen Strengthens Green Jersey Lead
Points classification leader Mads Pedersen joined the early breakaway group and comfortably claimed the intermediate sprint.
His performance extended his lead in the green jersey standings from seven points to 32 points over Jasper Philipsen, before easing back into the race.
General Classification Riders Stay Patient
The top overall contenders remained relaxed within the peloton throughout much of the stage, allowing the breakaway riders to build a lead of more than eight minutes with around 30 kilometres remaining.
As the peloton approached the climb to Côte de Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes, the pace increased, while the six-man breakaway—including Carapaz, Matteo Jorgenson, and French climber Valentin Paret-Peintre—worked together to stay clear.
Decisive Attack on the Final Climb
Carapaz launched his race-winning move with 3.5 kilometres remaining on the final ascent to Orcières-Merlette.
None of his rivals could respond as the 33-year-old steadily increased his advantage, carrying a lead of 37 seconds into the final kilometre before celebrating a comfortable solo victory.
Tour Heads to Alpe d’Huez
The Tour de France now moves to its penultimate mountain stage on Friday—a challenging 127.9-kilometre route from Gap to Alpe d’Huez.
With only a few stages remaining, Tadej Pogačar remains firmly on course to claim his fifth Tour de France title.
Stay tuned for the latest Tour de France updates, stage results, rider standings, and exclusive cycling news from around the world.