What's happened
Pogacar has a commanding lead entering the final mountain tests, but Stage 18 has seen Brandon McNulty withdraw and illness spread within UAE Team Emirates, raising concerns for the rest of the race as Alpe d’Huez looms.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The stage results show a weakening UAE team as illness disrupts its usual dominance. This changes the dynamics of the race, increasing the risk to Pogacar’s lead.
- Carapaz’s performance adds an element of unpredictability among the GC contenders, especially with his aggressive riding style on mid-mountain stages.
- The next two days’ mountain finishes will test depth across teams, with the potential for new riders to emerge as key support figures or threats.
- Readers should watch for changes in team strategies, such as redefining domestique roles or shifting pacing on climbs to protect the lead.
How we got here
The Tour de France has reached the pivotal Pyrenean/Alps phase. Stage 18 at Orcieres-Merlette has exposed vulnerabilities within UAE Team Emirates as riders report illness and one rider withdraws, heightening pressure on Pogacar ahead of back-to-back mountain stages and the final Paris finish.
Our analysis
The Guardian reports on the Stage 18 actions, including McNulty’s withdrawal and Wellens’ illness remarks; Independent highlights Pogacar’s broad lead and questions around UAE’s form, plus stage details and comments from Politt and del Toro; Guardian also notes Carapaz’s late-stage attack and the Ineos bid. Direct quotes and attributions are provided by each source.
Go deeper
- Will Pogacar’s team survive the illness wave and defend the lead on Alpe d’Huez?
- Which rider might seize the moment in Stage 19 to reshape the GC?
- How does illness within a leading team affect the morale and tactics of rival squads?
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