Richard Carapaz produced a stunning ride to win the Tour de France’s ultimate queen stage on Alpe d’Huez, completing a brilliant final week by taking his second victory of the race and sealing the polka-dot jersey. But the Ecuadorian’s triumph came after a dramatic finale, with Sepp Kuss looking destined for a famous stage win before crashing twice on the descent into the finish and seeing his hopes disappear.
We break down a brutal day in the Alps, from the huge 5,600 metres of climbing to the battle for the breakaway, as Kuss, Carapaz, Jai Hindley and others fought for the stage victory on the final climbs.
After Kuss’ heartbreak, Carapaz seized the opportunity and powered clear to claim a memorable win on one of the Tour’s most iconic climbs.
Mads Pedersen once again showed his trademark panache, fighting his way into the breakaway and securing the points needed to all but seal the green jersey. The Dane’s willingness to attack even on the toughest mountain stages underlined one of the most impressive points-classification rides in recent Tour history.
Behind, Tadej Pogačar swapped his usual attacking role for that of super-domestique, setting the pace on the Galibier and the final climbs to protect UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac Del Toro’s third place on GC. The yellow jersey sacrificed his own ambitions of another stage win to help his teammate, creating one of the most fascinating moments of the race.
We also discuss Paul Seixas’ superb ride to defend fourth place overall, the French teenager continuing to announce himself as one of cycling’s brightest future stars, while Remco Evenepoel launched a late move in search of victory and strengthened his grip on second place.
Ned Boulting and Lizzie Deignan Breakdown Stage 20 of the Tour de France 2026.
🎶 Music courtesy of BMG Production Music
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