The EF Education-EasyPost rider launched a decisive attack from a six-man breakaway with 3.5 kilometres remaining, securing his second Tour de France stage win after his first in 2024.

The Tokyo Olympic champion finished 45 seconds ahead of Switzerland's Mauro Schmid and American Matteo Jorgenson, while France's Valentin Paret-Peintre crossed the line fourth, 1 minute and 14 seconds behind.

The main group of overall contenders finished 4 minutes and 35 seconds adrift after none attempted a late attack.

Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar retained the overall race lead, holding a 4-minute and 32-second advantage over Belgium's Remco Evenepoel. Mexico's Isaac del Toro sits third, followed by France's Paul Seixas, with two more demanding Alpine stages remaining on Friday and Saturday.

Stage 18 top five

Richard Carapaz (Ecuador) – 4:26:21, Mauro Schmid (Switzerland) – +45 sec, Matteo Jorgenson (United States) – +45 sec, Valentin Paret-Peintre (France) – +1:14, Tobias Johannessen (Norway) – +1:57 . 

Overall standings (Top 5)

Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia) – 64:35:13, Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) – +4:32, Isaac del Toro (Mexico) – +6:51, Paul Seixas (France) – +7:11, Juan Ayuso (Spain) – +9:22