Carapaz Conquers Orcières-Merlette As The Tour Favourites Save Their Strength

Richard Carapaz finally turned his attacking spirit into victory at the 2026 Tour de France. The Ecuadorian won stage 18 at Orcières-Merlette after emerging as the strongest rider from a high-quality breakaway and launching the decisive move on the final climb.

The 185.2-kilometre stage from Voiron marked the beginning of the last Alpine block. With nearly 4,000 metres of climbing and five classified ascents, the route encouraged a large group of ambitious riders to move clear while the general classification contenders reserved their strength for the two finishes at Alpe d’Huez.

Carapaz reached the decisive phase alongside Mauro Schmid, Matteo Jorgenson, Valentin Paret-Peintre, Tobias Halland Johannessen and Raúl García Pierna. The Ecuadorian attacked with four kilometres remaining. After being briefly caught, he accelerated again around 500 metres later and this time none of his rivals could follow.

He crossed the line 45 seconds ahead of Schmid and Jorgenson, earning the second Tour stage victory of his career. Paret-Peintre finished fourth at 1:14 and Johannessen fifth at 1:57.

The Spanish riders also played a prominent role. García Pierna fought his way back to the leading group after being dropped on the penultimate climb and secured sixth place, 2:12 behind the winner. Pablo Castrillo, another member of the breakaway, completed an excellent day for Movistar by finishing seventh at 4:30.

There was no direct battle between the overall favourites on the final ascent. Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogačar and the main podium contenders crossed the line together, leaving the leading positions unchanged. Pogačar remains in yellow, 4:32 ahead of Evenepoel. Isaac del Toro is third at 6:51, Paul Seixas fourth at 7:11 and Juan Ayuso fifth at 9:22.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG nevertheless endured a worrying day. Brandon McNulty abandoned the race with around 24 kilometres remaining, while Adam Yates and Tim Wellens were also managing health problems. The team protected Pogačar without forcing the pace, but its strength will be tested over the two remaining Alpine stages.

Carapaz received the reward for his persistence, while the favourites kept their cards hidden. The truce will be difficult to repeat on Friday, when the Tour finishes at Alpe d’Huez for the first of two consecutive days.