According to team rider Nils Politt, the squad is implementing strict health protocols, including masks in the team bus and separated meals, to combat a virus that has already forced Brandon McNulty out of the race.
UAE Team Battles Virus Ahead of Alpe d’Huez
The dominance of Tadej Pogacar is facing a logistical threat as illness sweeps through his support staff. Brandon McNulty abandoned the race during Stage 18 after becoming exhausted, a loss Nils Politt described to ARD as a “herber Rückschlag für uns, fürs Team” for the team. Politt noted that the team is now in survival mode for the remaining two days of the competition.
To prevent further casualties, Politt told Eurosport that the team has reverted to strict hygiene measures. Riders are eating separately and wearing masks inside the team bus to curb the spread of the virus. While Adam Yates suffered from stomach issues the previous day, Politt indicated that Yates is now feeling significantly better. Politt confirmed that both he and Austrian teammate Felix Großschartner are currently healthy, and that Pogacar and Isaac del Toro remain unaffected.
Richard Carapaz Claims Stage 18 Victory in Orcières-Merlette
Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz won the 18th stage, finishing as the sole survivor of a breakaway after attacking his group four kilometers from the finish.
Swiss rider Mauro Schmid finished second, while American Matteo Jorgenson took third. The stage was characterized by a long-range breakaway that managed to build a significant gap over the main peloton, though some riders, including German champion Felix Engelhardt, eventually fell back before the final climb.
Tadej Pogacar finished 13th on the stage, opting for a conservative approach without launching any attacks. This tactical decision preserves his massive lead in the overall standings but means he must wait longer for his 26th career Tour stage win. Pogacar has a history with this specific finish; in 2020, he finished second at Orcières-Merlette behind Primoz Roglic.
General Classification Standings and Stakes
Despite the health struggles within his team, Pogacar remains the overwhelming favorite to secure his fifth Tour de France overall victory in Paris this Sunday.
| Rank | Rider | Gap to Leader |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadej Pogacar (UAE) | — |
| 2 | Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) | + 4:32 |
| 3 | Isaac del Toro (UAE) | + 6:51 |
The presence of Isaac del Toro in third place provides Pogacar with additional security, as the UAE Team duo holds a stranglehold on the podium. However, the loss of McNulty reduces the team’s ability to control the pace on the upcoming steep gradients.
The Final Alpine Challenge: Alpe d’Huez and the Queen Stage
The race now enters its most grueling phase in the Alps. On Friday, the riders face a 127.9-kilometer trek from Gap to the legendary ski station of Alpe d’Huez. While this climb is a historic landmark of the Tour, it is described as a more accessible introduction compared to the upcoming Queen Stage.
The Queen Stage represents the ultimate test of endurance, featuring 5,650 meters of elevation gain and three categorized climbs of the highest difficulty. For Pogacar’s rivals, these mountains offer the only remaining opportunity to chip away at the leader’s 4:32 advantage, provided the Slovenian remains healthy and supported.
The Tour de France will conclude with the traditional final procession into Paris on Sunday.
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