Stage winner almost hits overzealous fan in gruelling Tour de France climb

Ecuadorian rider Richard Carapaz secured his first stage win of this year's Tour de France, and second overall, with a decisive attack on the final climb of the grueling 18th stage. The victory came with a dramatic near-miss, as Carapaz had to swerve to avoid a spectator who had ventured onto the road just kilometers from the finish.

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This is a wonderful victory. I dedicate it to my family.

Carapaz, 33, launched his winning move about three kilometers from the summit, racing clear to finish 45 seconds ahead of Swiss rider Mauro Schmid and American Matteo Jorgenson. "This is a wonderful victory," Carapaz said after the stage. "I dedicate it to my family." He described the win as the most rewarding, knowing his hard work had paid off, especially after a similar breakaway attempt earlier in the race did not succeed.

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This is the most rewarding thing for me, knowing that the work I put in has paid off.

Race leader Tadej Pogačar of Slovenia did not challenge Carapaz's breakaway, as the Ecuadorian is not considered a threat to the overall Tour title and sits in 10th place. Pogačar maintained his comfortable lead of 4 minutes, 32 seconds over his closest rival, Remco Evenepoel of Belgium. The Slovenian star finished in a large group that included Evenepoel and his teammate Isaac Del Toro of Mexico, who remains third overall.

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I think nobody would really commit.

The stage, a 185km trek, featured two Category 1 climbs, including the final ascent to the Orcières-Merlette ski station. The race now heads into three consecutive days of Alpine climbs, with the 19th stage featuring an HC (highest category) climb up the iconic L'Alpe d'Huez, and the penultimate stage presenting a brutal route with three HC climbs and a hilly finish.

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This final climb was tough and suited my strengths well.