Stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France offered intense racing action, notably crowning Richard Carapaz as the stage winner. Carapaz, clad in the polka-dot jersey, prevailed after an intense duel with Sepp Kuss, who suffered two crashes on the descent to Alpe d’Huez, ultimately giving Carapaz the advantage. Meanwhile, Tadej Pogačar assisted his young teammate Isaac del Toro in securing third place, leaving French hopeful Paul Seixas behind on the final ascent. Remco Evenepoel surged in the final kilometers to secure second place.

Race Developments

It was a crucial day throughout the race. Mads Pedersen secured the green jersey following a determined effort to join the breakaway on the Col de la Croix-de-Fer. Carapaz’s accomplishments throughout the stage also confirmed his first place in the King of the Mountains competition.

“I must be the professional that lives at the highest altitude in the whole peloton,” Carapaz shared last spring, attributing his prowess to his high-altitude upbringing in Ecuador. His victories over the past three stages underscore his title as a true king of the mountains.

Winning at Alpe d’Huez made Carapaz the first rider to win a Tour stage in the polka dot jersey since Julian Alaphilippe in 2018. Despite Sepp Kuss’s crashes, Carapaz’s relentless effort positioned him to capitalize during the race. With this win, Carapaz stands as one of South America’s greatest riders, having won the 2019 Giro d’Italia, Olympic gold in 2021, and now his 10th Grand Tour stage.

Kuss’s Disappointment but Fortunate Escape

Sepp Kuss showed strong promise in Stage 20, maintaining a lead until his crashes. These mishaps cost him the stage victory but didn’t affect his safety as much as feared.

Kuss commented, “I was trying to maintain the gap to Carapaz, trying to make the most out of every corner,” acknowledging his misjudgments. Fortunately, a protective net prevented severe injury during his second fall.

Arriving third behind Carapaz and Evenepoel, Kuss’s performance earned him the combativity award, despite his disappointment over missing a prime opportunity.

Del Toro vs. Seixas and Evenepoel’s Strong Finish

Paul Seixas’s podium ambitions were challenged as he lagged behind Isaac del Toro on the final climbs. Del Toro’s robust performance stood out, aided by Pogačar, who played a supporting role.

Meanwhile, Remco Evenepoel’s finish saw him overtaking Kuss for second place, narrowing his gap with Carapaz. Evenepoel’s career achievements include significant wins, positioning him as a formidable contender despite past setbacks.

Mads Pedersen’s Remarkable Green Jersey Win

Mads Pedersen demonstrated resilience over recent stages, clinching the green jersey through strong performances in intermediate sprints, even in challenging mountain stages. This endurance makes him one of only six cyclists to win all three Grand Tour points classifications.

Pedersen battled through the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, rejoined the peloton, and successfully targeted intermediate sprints, showcasing his strength and determination.

Stage 20 Rankings

• Richard Carapaz | EF Education Easypost (4:59:39)
• Remco Evenepoel | Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe (+26s)
• Sepp Kuss | Visma-Lease a Bike (+31s)
• Tadej Pogačar | UAE Team Emirates – XRG (+1m 5s)
• Isaac del Toro | UAE Team Emirates – XRG (+1m 5s)

General classification after stage 20:
Tadej Pogačar leads, followed by Evenepoel at +6m 26s and Del Toro at +9m 42s. Seixas follows at +11m 56s.

Looking Ahead to Stage 21

The final stage spanning from Thoiry to Paris covers 133 kilometers, culminating in a sprint-friendly finish. The cobbled climb at Montmartre remains a key feature, allowing a challenging ascent for the riders.