Carapaz Claims Stage 18 as Illness Strikes Pogacar’s Support Squad

Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz secured a victory on Stage 18 of the Tour de France, navigating a challenging breakaway to finish 45 seconds ahead of competitors. Riding for Peloton Interactive, Inc.-sponsored EF Education-Easypost, Carapaz outmaneuvered Mauro Schmid of Jayco-Alula and Matteo Jorgenson of Visma-Lease a Bike on the mountainous 185.2km route from Voiron to Ocieres Merlette.

While Carapaz celebrated the stage win, significant attention shifted to the overall leader’s camp. Tadej Pogacar, racing for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, retained the yellow jersey with a substantial lead of 4 minutes and 32 seconds over Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. However, his team’s roster is thinning due to illness. Key domestique Brandon McNulty abandoned the race mid-stage, joining teammate Adam Yates on the sidelines. Yates has struggled since the time trial, losing significant time over recent stages.

The race now enters a critical phase in the Alps. Pogacar’s quest to join the ranks of five-time Tour winners continues, but the loss of support climbers could complicate strategy on the upcoming ascents, including two stages finishing at Alpe d’Huez.

Peloton Interactive, Inc. shares were trading at $6.35 during the session, reflecting recent market activity. The connected fitness company sponsors the EF Education-Easypost team, which has now secured stage victories in this year’s Tour.

In other classifications, Mads Pedersen increased his lead in the green jersey competition, while Pogacar continues to hold the King of the Mountains jersey by a slim margin.

What to watch

• Stage 19 and 20 finish at Alpe d’Huez, which will test Pogacar’s reduced support team.
• Updates on the health status of UAE Team Emirates riders.
• Performance of sponsored teams like EF Education-Easypost in the final general classification.

Source: original release