Richard Carapaz Wins Stage 18 of Tour de France at Orcières-Merlette

Richard Carapaz secured a dominant stage victory at Orcières-Merlette during stage 18 of the Tour de France, riding clear of a breakaway on a demanding route through the French Alps. The 33-year-old Ecuadorian rider attacked three kilometers from the summit finish, shedding his breakaway companions to claim another prestigious victory for his palmarès. Behind him, the main contenders for the yellow jersey crossed the line over four minutes later, leaving the overall standings largely unchanged as the race enters its decisive final mountain tests.

How Richard Carapaz Won Stage 18

The 18th stage offered a rugged profile that favored an aggressive breakaway. Carapaz seized his moment on the final ascent to Orcières-Merlette, launching a decisive acceleration inside the final three kilometers to distance a six-rider leading group. His previous triumph on the Tour de France came during the 2024 edition, where he also secured the polka dot jersey as the race’s best climber.

Behind the stage winner, Switzerland’s Mauro Schmid and American rider Matteo Jorgenson finished 45 seconds adrift of Carapaz. French rider Valentin Paret-Peintre followed closely in fourth place, crossing the line one minute and 14 seconds behind the leader.

General Classification Standings After Stage 18

The yellow jersey group, featuring the race’s primary overall contenders, crossed the finish line 4 minutes and 35 seconds after Carapaz after a largely quiet day among the race favorites. Tadej Pogacar maintained his overall lead in the general classification, preserving a 4-minute and 32-second advantage over Remco Evenepoel in second place.

What Comes Next on the Road to Alpe d’Huez

The 19th stage of the Tour de France takes place on Friday, July 24, running from Gap to the legendary Alpe d’Huez. The route promises one of the most vibrant atmospheres of the entire three-week grand tour, as thousands of spectators pack the 21 iconic numbered hairpins leading to the summit finish in the Isère ski resort.