- Carapaz wins stage 18 with a dramatic breakaway from Paret-Peintre.
- The victory cements Carapaz's position as the overall leader of the Tour.
- The Frenchman edges closer to becoming the new king of the mountains.
Key Moments in Stage 18

The final stage of the Tour de France 2026 was a thrilling race, with Carapaz emerging as the victor after an intense battle. The breakaway group demonstrated exceptional mountain prowess, leaving the general classification contenders behind.
As the leaders approached the final climbs, Carapaz showed his strength by pushing ahead and distancing himself from his rival. The stage was decided with a half-hearted sprint for the line from the GC group, but there would be no change in the top ten from yesterday.
The win for Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz was a crowning moment after a challenging race season. His victory in stage 18 not only secured him the lead in the general classification but also brought him closer to claiming a significant prize, although the source does not specify what it is.
Team Red Bull Bora-Hansgrohe was instrumental throughout the day, keeping a close eye on the race and ensuring that their riders were well positioned. Despite efforts from other teams like EF Education-EasyPost and UAE Team Emirates, they could not mount a serious challenge against Carapaz's determined ride. The outcome of stage 18 significantly impacts the overall standings.
The Frenchman is now in a strong position going into the final stages of the Tour de France.
Source: The Guardian





