Netcompany INEOS tackled the first of three epic Alpine stages at the Tour de France as stage 18 delivered a test of climbing, featuring five categorised ascents and a summit finish at Orcières-Merlette.
An aggressive opening saw attacks from the flag drop as riders fought to establish the day’s breakaway. A group of five initially forged clear before being reeled back in ahead of the first major climb, the category one Côte d’Engins.
The pace remained high on the ascent, with fresh attacks continuing to split the bunch. Thymen Arensman timed his move perfectly to go clear with a seven-rider break at the front of the race.
Behind, Egan Bernal found himself in the chasing group, sitting around 30 seconds adrift on the second climb of the day, the Côte de Monteynard. Strong turns on the front from Michał Kwiatkowski helped reduce the gap, allowing Bernal to bridge across and rejoin the leaders with Arensman.
As the race entered its decisive phase, the breakaway began to splinter with 46 kilometres remaining. Arensman and Bernal remained in the group of chasers, sitting around one minute behind the race leaders.
The pair continued to fight deep into the stage and, with six kilometres remaining on the final climb, both riders were brought back into the peloton.
Richard Carapaz (EF Education - EasyPost) launched a decisive attack with four kilometres remaining to take victory at the summit, while Bernal and Arensman crossed the line with the main peloton after another determined day in the mountains.