RSNplusPogacar, Paret-Peintre, and Carapaz Close Together
By Tom Mustroph from Gap
Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal – Quick-Step) is still in the polka-dot jersey at the stage start only as a deputy. | Photo: Cor Vos
24.07.2026 | (rsn) – There are still men daring to challenge Tadej Pogacar (UAE – Emirates – XRG). While he can feel relatively secure in the yellow jersey classification due to his lead, the mountain classification has seen two tenacious riders closing in on him.
Richard Carapaz (EF Education – EasyPost) gained 23 points by winning stage 18, while Valentin Paret-Peintre (Soudal – Quick-Step), who narrowly missed a significant triumph, also collected 23 points, leaving Pogacar empty-handed this time.
What is rare in the mountain finishes of the Tour de France adds a thrill to this 113th edition: Paret-Peintre came within a single point of the Slovenian mountain king on Thursday.
Creating Tension in the Battle for the Polka-Dot Jersey
At the finish in Orcières-Merlette, Paret-Peintre expressed disappointment for not achieving his goal. “It was very exhausting at the end. I was completely empty,” he admitted regarding the final kilometers. Although he briefly surged, Carapaz followed him with ease. With a personal attack about four kilometers from the finish, the EF captain split the previously harmonious breakaway group, leaving Paret-Peintre struggling to keep up.
Valentin Paret-Peintre wasn’t the only one feeling undeservedly great. | Photo: Cor Vos
In another burst from the former Giro winner, Paret-Peintre found himself helpless. To his misfortune, he also had to let past the exceptional Swiss Mauro Schmid (Jayco – AlUla) and the rising American Matteo Jorgensen (Visma – Lease a bike). Had he only managed to contest one of them, he would now be one point ahead of Pogacar and could present the polka-dot jersey on the Tour’s daily podium.
Wearing the Jersey Should Be Earned
However, the 25-year-old remains in a complicated situation, allowed to wear the jersey only as a substitute for Pogacar, who dons the more prestigious yellow jersey. Paret-Peintre told French media that he is no longer willing to be a mobile clothes rack for a garment that rightfully belongs to someone else. “I will fight until the end for my right to wear it,” he vowed in Orcières-Merlette, showing determination even while seated on the ground.
From the start of the stage, Paret-Peintre consistently positioned himself at the front, competing with Carapaz during the first mountain prize, Côte d’Engins, after 36.7 kilometers and crossing ahead of the Ecuadorian. The same pattern repeated at Côte de Monteynard nearly 60 kilometers later, as well as at Côte des Terrasses at 112.8 km and Côte de Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes just 20 kilometers from the finish.
Stage Victory Over Mountain Sprint
Carapaz, who clearly focused on the points, explained why he did not attempt a sprint duel. “The Quick-Step rider (Paret-Peintre) is simply more explosive at smaller climbs. I have advantages on bigger climbs.” He was proud to have exploited those advantages and noted, “I knew the mountain of truth awaited at the end of the stage, where more points were up for grabs.”
His rival acknowledged their differing qualities. “I know I am faster than Carapaz in sprints, but he is stronger on climbs.” Therefore, he played to his strengths at the moderate climbs of the 2nd and 3rd categories, still fresh enough to win the first category at the start of the stage. However, in the finale, the greater endurance of the “Locomotive of Carchi” prevailed.
It was fascinating to observe throughout the stage how two riders with different styles continuously shadowed each other, hardly giving an inch while competing with passion and fairness.
The shadowing and monitoring is likely to continue on Friday and Saturday. | Photo: Cor Vos
Notably, this was more of a minor achievement for Carapaz that day, as he clearly aimed for the stage victory. Following this battle, he now has his sights set on the mountain jersey again, something he previously won in 2024. “There are two days coming up where many points can be earned for the jersey. I have pictured how wonderful it would be to stand on the Paris podium wearing that jersey again,” he commented.
Paret-Peintre has similarly locked onto that ambition; he knows it won’t be easy against Carapaz. “He is stronger in long climbs,” he admitted. Yet, there’s also the reigning jersey holder, Tadej Pogacar. Taking the jersey from him will arguably be even more difficult than maintaining distance from Carapaz. “Pogacar will collect the points he desires. It’s hard to control that,” Paret-Peintre sighed.
Pogacar: “The Mountain Jersey Is Not My Priority”
But does Pogacar genuinely want the points? There are signs suggesting otherwise. The Slovenian emphasized how much it meant to him when he first donned the mountain jersey in 2020. He also respects Carapaz and Paret-Peintre, saying, “Richard achieved a phenomenal stage win, and Valentin amassed many points. It’s quite close. Many points can be scored in the days ahead, especially on Saturday with the Col de Galibier, Télégraphe, and others.”
On Friday, the breakaway group and the favorites could potentially equalize each other out. During the stage, up to 20 points can be won at the 1st and 2nd category climbs, along with the final climb up to the Alpe. However, on Saturday, the pendulum might swing in favor of the breakaway group, where a whopping 70 points are available, particularly starting with the Col de la Croix de Fer (HC).
At the beginning of the Tour de France, Pogacar still wore the points jersey himself. | Photo: Cor Vos
If the breakaway sect remains ahead until the Col de Galibier and Paret-Peintre and/or Carapaz are present, Pogacar may potentially lose this jersey. He wouldn’t fret too much about it, however. “It’s not my priority,” he clarified during the press conference, although he mischievously smiled as he stated, “It’s tight. It’s an enjoyable battle, especially for the spectators.” The superstar of cycling always craves a “battle.”
If engaging moments occur, there may be less than four points left among the competitors before the final stage in Paris. Four points, with three available during the thrice-visited Montmartre in the final day, still has the potential for tension until the end in this category.
