Carapaz dominates high mountains in tour’s late chase

What's happened

Richard Carapaz seals his second stage win in three days, moving to the top of the King of the Mountains as the Tour enters its final mountain stretch. Remco Evenepoel maintains the race lead despite a testing day for UAE, while Pogacar’s position comes under renewed scrutiny as illness and crashes ripple through teams.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• Carapaz’s altitude prowess has redefined the race’s turning points, with him spending most of the past three days in breakaways and conserving energy for decisive climbs.
• UAE Emirates XRG faces an internal health challenge, which could redefine the team’s strategy in the final stages as illness spreads among domestiques.
• The stage dynamics show a shift from pure sprint power to mountain endurance, likely benefiting late-rlivers and breakaways over favourites who are managing fatigue.
• The Tour’s history suggests the late mountain tests will determine overall outcomes, with Alpe d’Huez acting as a potential pivot point for the GC and stage honours.

How we got here

The 2026 Tour de France has reached its high mountain phase, with stage 20 approaching Alpe d’Huez. Carapaz has emerged as a decisive climber, while rivals such as Pogacar face health challenges within UAE Emirates XRG. The departure of Jonas Vingegaard earlier in the week has reshaped team dynamics and race tactics as the peloton nears Paris.

Our analysis

The Guardian notes Pogacar’s team is contending with illness and the abandonment of Brandon McNulty, while New York Times and Independent emphasize Carapaz’s climbing dominance and stage-winning form. The Guardian also highlights Vingegaard’s absence as a tactical driver for the race’s middle phase.

Go deeper

• Will Carapaz extend his KOM lead on Alpe d’Huez?
• How will UAE respond if more riders fall ill in the final mountain stages?
• Who are the hidden contenders for stage honours on the remaining ascents?

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