Full Breakdown
Richard Carapaz’s Alpe d’Huez triumph and Tadej Pogacar’s march toward a record-equalling fifth Tour
7/26/2026, 12:44:35 PM
Core Event – Stage 20 on Alpe d’Huez
On July 25, 2026 the 170.9-km queen stage from Le Bourg-d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez ended with Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz (EF Education-EasyPost) first, 31 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe). American Sepp Kuss (Visma-Lease a Bike) was third after two crashes on the descent. Race leader Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) rode safely in fourth, extending his overall lead and moving within a day of a record-equalling fifth yellow-jersey victory.
Background & Context – From stage 19 to the wild-fire-induced finale
The previous day, Pogacar won the Alpe d’Huez climb in 35 minutes 27 seconds, erasing a three-minute gap to the breakaway. Illness had hit the UAE squad, with domestique Brandon McNulty abandoning on stage 18 and teammates Adam Yates and Tim Wellens reporting stomach problems.
Wildfires in southwestern France forced organisers (ASO) to shorten the traditional 133-km final stage into an 89-km procession through Paris, as announced by Paris police.
Data & Statistics – Gaps, points and classifications
- General-classification lead after stage 20: 6 minutes 26 seconds over Evenepoel.
- King of the Mountains: Carapaz 156 points, 56 ahead of Pogacar.
- Young rider (white jersey): Isaac del Toro (UAE) third, 9 minutes 42 seconds behind Pogacar.
- Stage 20 finish times: Carapaz 0 s, Evenepoel +31 s, Kuss +36 s, Pogacar +39 s, del Toro +45 s.
Official Statements & Responses – Leaders reflect on the race
Pogacar said after stage 20, “I can say I finally experienced it myself. I already appreciated the work of the teammates before, but now it’s like another level. I must say thank you to every single one of them for working so hard for these last three weeks.”
Carapaz, celebrating his second stage win in three days, dedicated the victory to his family and thanked the support that helped him secure the polka-dot jersey.
Paris police explained that internal security forces were redeployed to combat the wildfires, necessitating the shortened final stage.
Criticism & Opposition – Safety concerns on the Alpine climbs
Spectator density on Alpe d’Huez prompted riders to voice worries. “There are now also a lot of people who think it’s carnival, who fill up with beer all day and at some point don’t know what they’re doing,” warned Richard Plugge, Visma-Lease a Bike director.
Sepp Kuss noted, “His teammates have been ill and still are,” highlighting the strain on the UAE squad.
Paul Seixas added, “It’s going to be incredible, but most of all, I hope I don’t crash on the climb because I think there will be a lot of spectators.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Lead times and record-breaking ascent
Sources differ on Pogacar’s exact time on Alpe d’Huez: France 24 reported 35 minutes 26 seconds, while Skysports and BBC cited 35 minutes 27 seconds. Both figures stem from the rider’s own statements.
The overall lead after stage 20 is given as 6 minutes 26 seconds and 7 minutes 11 seconds in different reports, reflecting varying timing methods.
