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