EF Education-Easypost aimed for stage wins at the 2026 Tour de France, and they achieved one as Richard Carapaz triumphantly won stage 18 at Orcières-Merlette. Carapaz excelled as the race reached the Alps, displaying strategic prowess throughout.
The stage was set for a breakaway, and after challenging climbs on the Côte d’Engins, a 14-rider group formed, including Mads Pedersen, who aimed to recapture the green jersey advantage from Jasper Philipsen by securing maximum points at the intermediate sprint. While Pedersen claimed top points, Matteo Jorgenson, Tobias Halland Johannessen, Raúl García Pierna, Felix Engelhardt, Mauro Schmid, joined by Carapaz and Valentin Paret-Peintre, surged forward. Engelhardt and García Pierna briefly fell behind but rejoined the group.
The final climb to Orcières-Merlette saw Carapaz launch an attack with 4km remaining, leaving Paret-Peintre and Johannessen behind. Another decisive move allowed him to cruise to victory. Schmid secured second place by outpacing Jorgenson. Carapaz’s victory showcased his enduring strength in the third week of the Tour, pushing his career stage wins in Grand Tours to nine, setting a record for South American riders.
Carapaz plays it perfectly to land classy win
Carapaz, aged 33, demonstrated keen awareness of his physique and the stages that favor him. In this stage, the peloton did not pursue the breakaway group, allowing him freedom to attack. Positioned 25 minutes behind Tadej Pogačar on the general classification, Carapaz represented the highest-placed rider from the breakaway group.
With just a few kilometers left, Carapaz unleashed two powerful attacks, distancing Johannessen and García Pierna. Through gritted teeth, he increased the lead by 21 seconds in the final kilometer, achieving a clinical win. This victory advanced Carapaz into the top 10, although he remains close to seven minutes from ninth place, held by Jordan Jegat.
In the mountains classification, Carapaz drew closer to leader Pogačar, now trailing by only seven points. Paret-Peintre, positioned just one point behind the Slovenian, finished fourth for the stage.
UAE Team Emirates faces challenges in the two upcoming mountain stages. Pogačar was unexpectedly isolated during the stage’s end, with his supportive teammates suffering sickness. Brandon McNulty exited the race mid-stage due to illness, and Adam Yates persisted despite gastrointestinal issues, with road captain Tim Wellens competing despite feeling unwell. The team maintains isolation at meals to prevent further contagion. Despite setbacks, Pogačar remains confident, relying on key teammates for support.
Mads Pedersen rebounded on stage 18, determinedly reclaiming his lead in the green jersey competition. A day after a disappointing stage 17, Pedersen joined a breakaway strategically positioned for intermediate sprint points. Pedersen’s efforts expanded his lead over Philipsen to 32 points—potentially a decisive move in the green jersey race.
While Pogačar controls yellow and Pedersen appears set for green, various narratives unfold within the Tour’s final week. Yannis Voisard and debutant Aaron Gate offer inspirational stories. Voisard aims for a top 10 finish, buoyed by standout performances against notable competitors. Gate adjusts to the demanding race speed, integrating with Astana’s aspirations for a stage victory.
Voisard delivered a robust ride in stage 18, finishing in the peloton of GC favorites, though Carapaz’s victory displaced him from the top 10 position. Gate, at 35, navigates through his first Tour de France, offering wisdom on the relentless pace.
Stage 18 concluded with Carapaz victorious, followed by Schmid and Jorgenson. The general classification continues to be led by Pogačar, with Evenepoel and del Toro trailing.
Upcoming Stage 19
The next stage covers 128km from Gap to Alpe d’Huez. Known for its iconic climb, this stage could see Pogačar and other contenders pursuing remarkable records.