Carapaz claims stage 18 victory as Pogacar’s Tour defence faces logistical strain
Tadej Pogacar maintains a four-and-a-half-minute lead over Remco Evenepoel despite the withdrawal of key lieutenant Brandon McNulty and illness affecting other squad members ahead of decisive mountain stages.
Richard Carapaz secured a solo victory in stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France, conquering the final climb to Orcieres-Merlette to claim his second stage win of the race. The Ecuadorian rider attacked his breakaway companions with just over three kilometres remaining, finishing ahead of Swiss rider Mauro Schmid and American Matteo Jorgenson. Carapaz’s performance also brought him within seven points of race leader Tadej Pogacar in the King of the Mountains classification, having previously held the polkadot jersey in 2024.
While Carapaz celebrated on the podium, Pogacar faced significant operational challenges that could impact the remainder of the race. Key climbing lieutenant Brandon McNulty abandoned the Tour after lagging well off the pace, compounding a difficult period for the Slovenian’s squad. This followed the struggles of another mountain specialist, Adam Yates, who dropped off the back of the peloton on stage 17 due to an upset stomach. Additionally, teammate Tim Wellens reported feeling unwell on the morning of stage 18.
The attrition within Pogacar’s team was evident during the decisive final 7km ascent. The race leader entered the climb with only two team-mates, Isaac Del Toro and Felix Grossschartner, compared to the usual four available for such stages. Despite this reduced support, Pogacar finished in a group of 13 riders that included the top 10 in the general classification, maintaining his overall lead.
Pogacar’s position at the top of the standings remains secure, holding a four-and-a-half-minute advantage over second-placed Remco Evenepoel. However, the logistical strain on his squad comes as the race approaches back-to-back finishes on Alpe d’Huez. The absence of dedicated support riders on these critical mountain stages will test the race leader’s capacity to manage the general classification without the usual tactical assistance.
Former leader Jonas Vingegaard has already withdrawn from the 2026 Tour de France following a crash on stage 15 at the Plateau de Solaison, which resulted in a right arm injury. Pogacar avoided that incident, which also involved several Visma-Lease a Bike teammates. As the race enters its final mountainous phase, the focus shifts to whether Pogacar’s depleted team can sustain his lead against the remaining contenders in the general classification.
