Stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France presented the toughest challenge this year, providing a thrilling day of racing. Richard Carapaz, wearing the polka-dot jersey, won his second stage of the race following a fierce competition with Sepp Kuss. Kuss, an American rider, experienced two crashes on the way to Alpe d’Huez, giving Carapaz the advantage.
In the battle for the podium, Tadej Pogačar assisted Isaac del Toro to secure third place. Together, they distanced French contender Paul Seixas on the final climb. Pogačar, in the yellow jersey, stayed with his Mexican teammate as Remco Evenepoel pushed forward in the final kilometers, claiming second place in the stage.
Mads Pedersen clinched the green jersey following a remarkable effort to reach the break on the Col de la Croix-de-Fer. Carapaz’s relentless performance throughout the stage confirmed his first place in the King of the Mountains competition. The key moments of this epic afternoon were analyzed by Jacob Whitehead and Tim Spiers.
Richard Carapaz, with unparalleled endurance, returned home triumphantly in the high mountains. “I might be the professional cyclist living at the highest altitude,” stated Carapaz, reflecting on his origins from Ecuador’s Carchi province. His ability to adapt to the dry air of Europe sets him apart, particularly as the Tour reached its highest altitudes.
Carapaz’s achievements in the last three stages—first, third, and first—underscore his status as a true mountain king. Winning on Alpe d’Huez, Carapaz became the first to win a Tour stage in the polka dot jersey since 2018. His victory involved strategic pressure on Kuss during descents, benefiting from the American’s misfortunes.
After narrowly missing victory in the Giro d’Italia, Carapaz continues to maintain an impressive track record, including the 2019 Giro, 2021 Olympic gold, and ten Grand Tour stage wins, the first South American rider to do so.
Sepp Kuss faced challenges and unfortunate crashes, costing him a potential stage victory. Despite leading towards the end, his efforts were thwarted by risky turns and injuries.
As Kuss nursed his wounds and finished behind Carapaz and Evenepoel, his determination was recognized with the combativity award. However, this is cold comfort for the opportunity lost on this Queen Stage.
Isaac del Toro outperformed Paul Seixas in a gripping competition for the podium and white jersey. With strategic moves on the Col de Sarenne, del Toro demonstrated resilience, assisted by Pogačar’s supportive role that maintained their position ahead of Seixas and allowed Evenepoel to advance.
Mads Pedersen showcased incredible stamina, capturing the green jersey after successful sprints in tough mountain stages. His efforts secured his place among cycling’s elite, joining legends with wins across all three Grand Tour points classifications.
Key Stage 20 Results:
- 1st: Richard Carapaz (4:59:39)
- 2nd: Remco Evenepoel (+26s)
- 3rd: Sepp Kuss (+31s)
General Classification:
- 1st: Tadej Pogačar (72:53:44)
- 2nd: Remco Evenepoel (+6m 26s)
- 3rd: Isaac del Toro (+9m 42s)
The final stage is set for Sunday, July 26, from Thoiry to Paris. A flat route provides a chance for sprinters to close gaps, though opportunities for ambitious moves on the cobbled Montmartre climb remain.
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