Richard Carapaz delivered a commanding performance on stage 18 of the Tour de France, breaking clear of the day's breakaway to take a solo victory at the summit finish in Orcières-Merlette. The Ecuadorian rider's win came on the eve of the race's queen stage, adding a significant chapter to his already impressive Grand Tour career. Carapaz, a former Giro d'Italia champion and Olympic gold medalist, attacked decisively on the final climb, leaving his breakaway companions behind to cross the line alone and claim his second career Tour de France stage win.
The stage, which covered 179 kilometres through the French Alps, featured three categorized climbs before the final ascent to Orcières-Merlette. Carapaz was part of a large early breakaway that built a substantial lead over the main peloton, and he timed his move perfectly on the last climb, accelerating away from the remnants of the break to secure a memorable victory. The win was particularly significant for Carapaz, who has been a consistent presence in the mountains throughout this year's race, often working for his team's overall classification ambitions while also seeking stage opportunities.
While Carapaz celebrated his triumph, attention in the race leader's camp was focused on Tadej Pogačar, who retained the yellow jersey but faces mounting questions about his physical condition. Reports emerged during the stage suggesting that the Slovenian star may be struggling with health issues, with speculation fuelled by unusual behaviour observed during the race. Observers noted that Pogačar appeared to be riding with less authority than in previous stages, and the choice of his clothing—specifically his bib shorts—was cited by some cycling insiders as an indication that he might be experiencing discomfort or illness.
The rumours surrounding Pogačar's health have added an extra layer of intrigue to the final days of the Tour. The defending champion has dominated much of this year's race, winning multiple stages and building a comfortable lead in the general classification. However, with the queen stage looming on Saturday—a brutal mountain test featuring several high-altitude passes—any physical weakness could be exploited by his rivals. The uncertainty has given hope to other contenders, including Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, who have been trailing Pogačar in the overall standings but could now see an opportunity to close the gap.
Stage 18 was always expected to be a key battleground, with the first Alpine stage of this year's Tour offering a chance for climbers to make their mark. The breakaway formed early, with several strong riders including Carapaz, Simon Yates, and David Gaudu among the group. The peloton, led by Pogačar's UAE Team Emirates squad, allowed the break to gain a significant advantage, seemingly content to let the stage go to the escapees while conserving energy for the queen stage. Carapaz's winning move came with approximately five kilometres remaining, when he surged clear on the steepest gradients of the final climb, quickly opening a gap that none of his rivals could close.
Carapaz's victory was widely celebrated in the cycling world, with many praising his tactical acumen and climbing ability. The 33-year-old has established himself as one of the most consistent Grand Tour riders of his generation, with a palmarès that includes victories in the Giro d'Italia, a podium finish in the Tour de France, and an Olympic gold medal in the road race. His win on stage 18 further cements his reputation as a rider who can perform at the highest level in the world's most demanding race.
As the Tour de France moves into its final mountain stages, the focus will remain on Pogačar's condition and whether he can withstand the pressure from his rivals. The queen stage on Saturday is expected to be decisive, with multiple first-category climbs and a summit finish that could shake up the general classification. For Carapaz, the stage 18 victory provides a significant boost to his team's morale and adds another highlight to an already distinguished career. The Ecuadorian will now look ahead to the remaining stages, potentially targeting another win or supporting his team's overall ambitions.
The Tour de France continues with stage 19, the queen stage, which will take the riders through the heart of the Alps and is expected to be one of the most challenging days of the entire race. With the yellow jersey under threat and several riders in contention for stage wins, the final days of the Tour promise to deliver more drama and excitement for cycling fans around the world.
