Richard Carapaz delivered a stunning solo attack to win Stage 18 of the Tour de France 2026 in Orcières Merlette, climbing the final category 1 ascent with relentless power. The EF Education-EasyPost rider crossed the line 20 seconds ahead of the chasing pack, marking his second career Tour stage victory and delighting fans in the French Alps.
How Carapaz Seized Victory in the Mountains
The 178 km stage from Gap featured two major climbs, including the hors-catégorie Col de la Lombarde and the finishing climb to Orcières Merlette. Carapaz jumped from the breakaway with 12 km remaining, quickly opening a gap that proved unassailable. His aggressive riding earned him the combativity award and lifted him into the top 10 GC.
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GC Standings Shake-Up
While Carapaz stole the headlines, Tadej Pogacar retained the yellow jersey with a 4-minute 32-second lead over Remco Evenepoel. Below is the updated top 10 after Stage 18:
| Position | Rider | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tadej Pogacar (UAE) | 64h 35min 13s |
| 2 | Remco Evenepoel (RB-Bora) | +4min 32s |
| 3 | Isaac Del Toro (UAE) | +6min 51s |
| 4 | Paul Seixas (Decathlon) | +7min 11s |
| 5 | Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) | +9min 22s |
| 6 | Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) | +10min 14s |
| 7 | Lenny Martinez (Bahrain) | +12min 50s |
| 8 | Tom Pidcock (Pinarello) | +12min 58s |
| 9 | Jordan Jegat (TotalEnergies) | +14min 04s |
| 10 | Richard Carapaz (EF) | +21min 00s |
Points Race Tightens
In the green jersey competition, Mads Pedersen extended his lead to 32 points over Jasper Philipsen. Meanwhile, the mountains classification sees Pogacar leading with 70 points, just one ahead of a disappointed Valentin Paret-Peintre (69).
Key Takeaways from Stage 18
- Carapaz’s win was his first Tour stage since 2021; he moved into the top 10 GC.
- Tom Pidcock abandoned breakaway tactics to focus on his GC position (8th overall).
- Valentin Paret-Peintre missed the polka dot jersey by a single point after being caught near the finish.
- The final mountain stage tomorrow up Alpe d’Huez promises more drama.
FAQ: Tour de France 2026 Stage 18
Who won Stage 18 of the Tour de France 2026?
Richard Carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost won Stage 18 in a solo breakaway finish at Orcières Merlette.
How did the GC standings change after Stage 18?
Tadej Pogacar kept the yellow jersey, but Carapaz jumped into 10th place, replacing Yannis Voisard. Remco Evenepoel remained second at 4’32”.
What happens in the next stage of the Tour de France 2026?
Stage 19 finishes on the legendary Alpe d’Huez, one of the most iconic climbs in cycling history. Expect major GC attacks and a battle for the polka dot jersey.
Where can I watch Tour de France 2026 highlights?
Broadcasters like TNT Sports and France Télévisions provide full coverage. Check local listings for replays and live streaming of the remaining stages.
The Tour de France 2026 continues to deliver edge-of-the-seat racing. With Alpe d’Huez looming, every second counts. Whether you’re planning a cycling holiday or just following the action, France’s mountain routes offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable sporting moments.
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