Ecuadorean Richard Carapaz secured a solo victory in stage 18 of the Tour de France on Thursday. Carapaz claimed the win during the final climb to Orcieres-Merlette following a commanding breakaway.
Carapaz launched a decisive attack against his five breakaway companions with just over three kilometres remaining. This performance marked his second Tour stage victory. Swiss rider Mauro Schmid finished in second place, beating American Matteo Jorgenson, who took third.
While Tadej Pogacar maintained his overall lead in the race, the Slovenian faced a setback as key teammate Brandon McNulty abandoned the competition.