Carapaz wins Stage 18 at Orcières-Merlette as Pogacar retains yellow in Tour de France
Richard Carapaz wins Stage 18 of the Tour de France at Orcières-Merlette; Tadej Pogacar keeps yellow as the race heads to two consecutive Alpe d’Huez finales.
The Tour de France moved toward its dramatic finale as Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz attacked four kilometres from the summit at Orcières-Merlette to take victory on Stage 18. Carapaz crossed the line clear of Mauro Schmid, who finished 45 seconds back after repeating his runner-up spot from the previous day. The big favourites rode conservatively, arriving in a group 4:35 behind; Tadej Pogacar remains in yellow, 4:32 ahead of Remco Evenepoel, with Isaac Del Toro third at +6:51.
Carapaz’s decisive move on the final climb
Carapaz, the 2021 Olympic road race champion, launched his attack in the final kilometres and cemented his advantage on the steep ramp into Orcières-Merlette. His solo move drew applause from the roadside as he held off chasing rivals to claim the stage. The win underscored his capacity to pick the right moment on selective terrain.
Schmid repeats as runner-up after team support
Mauro Schmid crossed the line 45 seconds behind Carapaz, marking a second consecutive second-place finish for the rider. His teammate Felix Engelhardt was again instrumental, doing visible work to position his leader for the finale. Despite strong preparation by Engelhardt, Schmid was unable to match Carapaz’s late acceleration.
General classification leaders paced their effort
The principal contenders for the overall title arrived together, 4:35 down on the stage winner, as the peloton kept a measured tempo. Tadej Pogacar continues to wear the yellow jersey with a 4:32 advantage over Remco Evenepoel, while Pogacar’s Mexican teammate Isaac Del Toro holds third at +6:51. With the top positions unaltered, teams appear to be conserving energy ahead of the decisive Alpine tests.
UAE Team updates and Adam Yates’ reported illness
The UAE Team showed signs of having managed recent health concerns after Adam Yates reportedly struggled with stomach problems on Wednesday but still finished the stage. The squad offered little public detail on medical matters, leaving some questions unanswered. Team manager Mauro Gianetti confirmed Pogacar was in good condition on Thursday, and the yellow jersey looked fit during the podium presentations.
Organisers set two straight Alpe d’Huez summit finishes
Race planners have loaded the next two days with climbing, scheduling consecutive summit finishes that conclude on Alpe d’Huez. The famous 21 hairpins of the climb are expected to play a decisive role as teams negotiate heavy vertical metres and high passes. Narrow roads and steep gradients on those approaches increase the likelihood of aggressive riding and time splits among the favourites.
Tactics and scenarios as the Tour approaches its crescendo
With two high-mountain stages looming, strategies will diverge between stage hunters and overall contenders. Riders like Carapaz could again target breakaway or punchy attacks for stage glory, while the yellow jersey’s team may focus on containment and crisis management. Time gaps remain sufficient to invite probing moves, and fatigue from earlier racing could amplify margins on the climbs.
The next 48 hours promise to be pivotal: the back-to-back Alpe d’Huez finishes present a last clear opportunity for riders to alter the general classification and for challengers to force a confrontation that could decide the Tour de France’s outcome.
