Carapaz celebrated his second career Tour de France stage win, following his previous success in 2024. "This victory is important for me and my family.
A special day," said Carapaz.
He noted that multiple breakaway attempts earlier in the grand tour had failed before finally succeeding on the Alpine summit.
"I tried often, but it kept failing. But on this difficult stage, it worked."
Carapaz paced his effort carefully during the steep closing kilometers before launching his winning move. "I knew the final climb suited me well.
I waited and waited, tried twice, and it's great that I could celebrate."
Mads Pedersen also made significant gains in the points classification, extending his green jersey lead over Jasper Philipsen by securing 25 crucial points during the breakaway.
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The Tour de France continues with Stage 19, a 128-kilometer mountain route featuring 3,500 meters of elevation gain from Gap to Alpe d'Huez.
