Carapaz wins Stage 18 of Tour de France

Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz claimed a solo victory on the 18th stage of the Tour de France on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after a perfectly timed attack on the final climb. The 33-year-old's win, his second career Tour stage triumph, came on a 185.2-kilometer mountainous route from Voiron to the summit finish at Orcières-Merlette.

Carapaz broke clear from a six-rider breakaway group with just over three kilometers remaining on the final ascent, powering away to finish 45 seconds ahead of Swiss rider Mauro Schmid. American Matteo Jorgenson completed the podium in third place. The victory also moved Carapaz into 10th place in the overall standings.

The day's racing did not alter the top of the general classification, as overall leader Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia finished safely in the main peloton. Pogacar retains the yellow jersey with a commanding lead of four minutes and 32 seconds over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel. Mexico's Isaac del Toro remains in third place, 6 minutes and 51 seconds behind Pogacar.

Carapaz dedicated the win to his family, calling it a special day that required immense hard work. He noted that his team had attempted breakaways several times earlier in the race...