Richard Carapaz won stage 20 of the Tour de France at Alpe d'Huez on Saturday, July 25, securing his second stage victory in three days and an unassailable lead in the mountains classification if he completes the race. Tadej Pogačar finished fourth and retained a commanding overall advantage before Sunday's final stage to Paris.
The 170.9-kilometre queen stage from Le Bourg-d'Oisans included about 5,400 metres of climbing and four classified ascents. Carapaz, riding for EF Education-EasyPost, joined the breakaway and collected maximum points on three climbs, including the Col du Galibier, before pursuing Sepp Kuss on the final approach to Alpe d'Huez.
Kuss crested the Col de Sarenne ahead but crashed twice on the descent toward the finish. Carapaz passed him and won in 4 hours, 59 minutes and 39 seconds. Remco Evenepoel finished second, 26 seconds behind, while Kuss recovered to place third at 31 seconds. Pogačar crossed 1 minute and 5 seconds after Carapaz alongside UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Isaac Del Toro.
Pogačar spent much of the decisive section controlling the group of overall contenders in support of Del Toro. The work helped the 22-year-old Mexican protect third place and the best young rider's jersey. Pogačar remained first overall in 72 hours, 53 minutes and 44 seconds, leading Evenepoel by 6 minutes and 26 seconds and Del Toro by 9 minutes and 42 seconds.
Carapaz's climbing points also put the Ecuadorian beyond reach in the polka-dot competition provided he finishes in Paris. Mads Pedersen similarly strengthened his hold on the green points jersey by winning the intermediate sprint. The general-classification podium did not change, although the gaps shifted after Evenepoel attacked with two kilometres remaining.
The shortened 21st stage from Thoiry to the Champs-Élysées was scheduled to conclude the Tour on Sunday. Pogačar needed to reach the finish to secure a fifth overall victory, which would place him alongside Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Induráin as the only five-time men's Tour winners. Carapaz and Pedersen also needed to finish for their classification victories to become official.
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