Carapaz Claims Second Win as French Rider Falters in Alpine Stage, Del Toro Takes Third

During the final alpine stage of the Tour de France 2026, French rider Lenny Seixas struggled once again on the iconic slopes of Alpe d’Huez, relinquishing his grip on a podium finish and handing third place overall to Isaac Del Toro, according to race classification records. Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz powered to his second stage victory of the race, cementing a grueling day in the mountains that reshaped the general classification.

Carapaz Dominates the Final Alpine Test

Richard Carapaz delivered a tactical masterclass on the punishing 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez, dropping his breakaway companions to claim a commanding stage win. The Olympic champion navigated the brutal ascents with calculated precision, securing his second victory of this year’s Tour de France. Race organizers confirmed the stage timing and official standings shortly after the leaders crossed the summit line.

Seixas Slips on Alpe d’Huez

Lenny Seixas entered the stage carrying the heavy weight of French expectations, holding a fragile position inside the top three. However, the grueling gradients of the final climb exposed fatigue in the young rider’s legs. According to race reports, Seixas cracked under the relentless pace set by the chasing group, slipping down the general classification and watching a historic podium finish vanish on cycling’s most famous mountain.

Del Toro Seizes the Podium Spot

Capitalizing on Seixas’s struggles, Mexican contender Isaac Del Toro rode a disciplined and steady ascension. By maintaining a measured rhythm while rivals fractured around him, Del Toro secured the third step of the overall podium. The result marks a milestone achievement in the young climber’s Grand Tour career, verified by official post-stage timing sheets.

What Comes Next in the Tour de France

With the high-mountain stages concluded, the peloton turns its focus toward the remaining transitions and the final time trial before the traditional conclusion in Paris. Teams will spend the upcoming rest day evaluating rider recovery and adjusting tactics for the final push to the French capital.