Richard Carapaz won stage 18 at Orcières-Merlette in 4:26:21 after attacking twice on the final climb and riding the last three kilometres alone. Mauro Schmid and Matteo Jorgenson finished 45 seconds behind.
VERIFIED RESULT · REVIEWED 2026-08-26
STAGE 18 RESULT
Richard Carapaz of EF Education-EasyPost won in 4:26:21. The official result and report, rather than Roadman's pre-race prediction, now control this page.
| PLACE | RIDER | TEAM | TIME / GAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richard Carapaz | EF Education-EasyPost | 4:26:21 |
| 2 | Mauro Schmid | Team Jayco AlUla | +0:45 |
| 3 | Matteo Jorgenson | Team Visma | Lease a Bike | +0:45 |
HOW THE RACE WAS WON
A 14-rider break formed after a prolonged fight. The group split inside the final 50 kilometres, and six riders reached the foot of Orcières-Merlette together. Jorgenson attacked first; Carapaz made the decisive move with four kilometres remaining, accelerated again with three kilometres to go and held 45 seconds to the line.
- 1.Valentin Paret-Peintre collected the major early mountain points as the break formed and expanded.
- 2.Matteo Jorgenson repeatedly reduced the leading group before the final climb.
- 3.Carapaz attacked at four kilometres to go and again at three kilometres to go, then rode solo to the finish.
- 4.The main general-classification contenders finished together; Tadej Pogačar retained yellow, while Carapaz moved into the overall top ten.
- 5.Brandon McNulty abandoned while ill, reducing UAE Team Emirates-XRG's support before the two Alpe d'Huez stages.
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AFTER STAGE 18
Tadej Pogačar retained the yellow jersey. The leading general-classification group finished together, and Carapaz's long-range gain moved him into the overall top ten.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
KEY CLIMBS
Orcières-Merlette
7.1 km · 6.7% avg · 1,850 m summit
Côte d'Engins
11.4 km · 5.4% avg
Monteynard
9.7 km · 5% avg
TRAIN FOR IT
The Roadman content that builds what Stage 18 asks for.