Richard Carapaz once again demonstrated his intelligence in the mountains. The 33-year-old Ecuadorian calculated the exact moment to launch his offensive on the final climb and took victory in the 18th stage of the Tour de France. Tadej Pogacar, meanwhile, arrived minutes later and easily maintained his wide lead in the overall standings.
It was Carapaz’s first victory in this edition and the second of his career in the French round. Pogacar did not try to chase him because the South American does not represent a threat to the general classification – he is in tenth.
“This is a wonderful victory. I dedicate it to my family,” said Carapaz, whose mother died earlier this year.
The attack occurred about 3 kilometers from the summit. Carapaz went alone, patted his head as he approached the finish line and crossed the line 45 seconds ahead of the Swiss Mauro Schmid and the American Matteo Jorgenson.
No changes at the top
Pogacar, who is seeking his fifth overall title and third in a row, arrived within a large group that included Remco Evenepoel and the Mexican Isaac Del Toro, the Slovenian’s teammate at the UAE Emirates. The classification did not move: Pogacar leads with 4:32 over Evenepoel and 6:51 over Del Toro, 22 years old, third.
The 185-kilometre stage included the early climb of the Côte d’Engins (category 1) and the final climb to the Orcières-Merlette station, also first class. Carapaz almost collided with a fan on the route, but dodged in time.
“The level of the breakaway was very high, but when I set a goal between my eyebrows I go for it. My running style is like that, aggressive. I don’t hold anything back,” said the Ecuadorian.
What’s coming: Alpine hell
Friday’s 19th stage ends with the legendary ascent of Alpe d’Huez, a special category, over 127.9 kilometers. The penultimate day on Saturday includes three special category climbs – Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier and Col de Sarenne – plus one first class. The Tour concludes on Sunday on the Champs Elysees in Paris.
