Richard Carapaz is the first Ecuadorian to win a stage of the Tour de France

Hot action and the vigilance of the peloton didn’t allow for a breakaway until late in Wednesday’s 17th stage of the Tour de France, but the fugitives prevailed, Richard Carapaz scoring his first career Tour victory, the first Ecuadorian to win a stage. Carapaz, who wore the yellow jersey for a day early in the 111th edition, now has victories in all three Grand Tours. Remco Evenepoel managed to swing back 10 seconds on Tadej Pogačar, while Jonas Vingegaard lost two more seconds to the yellow jersey. Derek Gee was top Canadian in 38th.

The Course
To start out with, the road rose gradually but steadily for 135 km. Three climbs were crowded into the final 35 km: Cat. 2 Col Bayard, Cat. 1 Col du Noyer and the final Cat. 3 climb to the finish in Superdévoluy.

A medium-mountain stage on the menu today at the #TDF2024, but we could be in for a long fight for the breakaway. pic.twitter.com/K7FslBye9f

— Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team (@soudalquickstep) July 17, 2024

Since only three breakaways had succeeded so far in 16 stages, Wednesday was crucial for teams’ chances for a win. This meant the fight to become a fugitive would be fierce. The first hour and half was done at 47 km, and a breakaway was still not approved by the peloton. Visma-Lease a Bike tried to isolate Pogačar with a torrid pace. The action and reactions were relentless.

Four riders passed through the day’s intermediate sprint a minute ahead of the peloton. With 58 km remaining, there was a massive move of 48 riders chasing after the leading quartet. The best GC rider in the group was fourteenth place Simon Yates. Finally, the peloton flashed the green light.

LOL there seems to be fewer riders in the peloton than in the breakaway. 😂#TDF2024 pic.twitter.com/Hnkrh7VBO8

— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) July 17, 2024

The quartet started up Cat. 2 Col Bayard 1:30 ahead of the huge chase, which quickly began to thin out. Blue-mustached Magnus Cort took home the five KOM points. Just before Cat. 1 Col du Noye, and on its early slopes, the quartet started to swell. Yates was there, as was Carapaz. Yates immediately attacked.

Carapaz and Stevie Williams tried to bridge over the Yates. Carapaz soloed away, tipping over ahead of Yates and Enric Mas, who had also bridged over from the big group. Williams disappeared from the picture. Carapaz would beat Yates by 37 seconds at the top of the Cat. 3.

Behind, Pogačar made…