Carapaz Secures Stage 18 Win as Pogacar Loses Key Climbing Support

Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz steered his breakaway group to victory on the Alpine 18th stage of the Tour de France, defeating his rivals in a decisive final climb.

After a strategic move near the finish line, Carapaz overtook his companions with mere kilometers remaining, securing his second stage win of the race. Swiss rider Mauro Schmid claimed second place, edging out American Matteo Jorgenson.

Read morePhilipsen triumphs in Tour’s 17th stage while Pogacar maintains overall lead

This victory also strengthens Carapaz’s position in the King of the Mountains competition, marking a return to form after his 2024 triumph in the same category.

French climber Valentin Paret-Peintre nearly challenged Tadej Pogacar for the polka-dot jersey but finished fourth, just one point behind the Slovenian leader.

Carapaz now holds a seven-point advantage in the mountain competition rankings.

Pogacar completed the stage within a tight group of 13 riders, including the top ten overall, preserving his four-and-a-half-minute lead over Remco Evenepoel.

However, the race leader faced adversity as teammate Brandon McNulty abandoned the race during the final 7km climb.

This followed an earlier withdrawal by Adam Yates earlier in the day, who had been enduring gastrointestinal issues.

Both Yates and McNulty served as vital mountain support for Pogacar, their absence proved costly.

Tim Wellens also mentioned feeling unwell on Thursday morning, further thinning the peloton supporting the reigning champion.

The final stretch revealed the full impact: Pogacar was alone with Isaac Del Toro and Felix Grossschartner for the last 7 kilometers—a stark contrast to his usual support.

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