Tour de France 2022 Stage 18 Recap and Post-Race Standings

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma delivered a masterclass at the Tour de France, turning a Pyrenees finale into a day of decisive moves and proving his control of the general classification. The battle for yellow intensified as Vingegaard held firm against Tadej Pogacar, with a memorable surge on the Hautacam climb that sealed a second grande boucle victory in his career. Pogacar pressed from behind, yet Vingegaard demonstrated stamina and timing, attacking in the high terrain and defending the lead in a dramatic showdown that underscored his growing authority on the race. The day epitomized the tension of a grand tour, where every kilometer and every corner could alter the balance of power on the podium. The France-Scene from the Pyrenees was a testament to Vingegaard’s strategic patience, his capacity to absorb Pogacar’s attacks, and his ability to convert a strong position into a stage win and strategic advantage for Paris.

As the stage unfolded, the yellow jersey remained with Vingegaard, whose performances during the ascent demonstrated a blend of quiet efficiency and explosive climbing. Pogacar, resilient and aggressive, remained within striking distance, but the Dane’s decisive move on Hautacam widened the gap and the psychological edge in the race. The dynamic between the two riders highlighted not only physical prowess but also tactical mastery, with Vingegaard asserting leadership through measured responses to Pogacar’s attempts to reclaim time. The result strengthened the Dane’s standing at the front of the GC while signaling a continued contest for the coveted Maillot Jaune as the race progressed toward Paris.

Friday’s stage offered a transitional route taking the peloton from the Pyrenees toward the plains, starting at Castelnau-Magnoac and finishing in Cahors over a testing 188.3 kilometers. The sprint teams were positioned for another opportunity to contest the day’s results, even as the overall narrative remained centered on the blue riband jersey and the ongoing duel at the front. Between the Pyrenees and the next decisive moments, the weekend would bring a time trial through Rocamadour, where the riders would face a final clock that could reshape stage outcomes and the overall standings.

The overall ranking after stage 18 of the 2022 Tour de France is as follows:

1. Jonas Vingegaard Rasmussen (DEN/Jumbo-Visma) 71:53:34

2. Tadej Pogacar (SLO/UAE Emirates) – 00:03:26

3. Geraint Thomas (GBR/Ineos Grenadiers) 00:08:00

4. David Gaudu (FRA/ Groupama-FDJ) 00:11:05

5. Nairo Quintana (COL/ Arkea-Samsic Team) 00:13:35

6. Louis Meintjes (RSA/Intermarche) 00:13:43

7. Aleksandr Vlasov (RUS/Bora-Hansgrohe) 00:14:10

8. Romain Bardet (FRA/ Team DSM) 00:16:11

9. Alexey Lutsenko (KAZ/ Astana-Kazakhstan Team) 00:20:09

10. Adam Yates (GBR/Ineos Grenadiers) 00:20:17

11. Enric Mas (ESP/ Movistar Team) 00:24:08

12. Valentin Madouas (FRA/ Groupama-FDJ) 00:33:34

13. Bob Jungels (FRA/ AG2R Citroën Team) 00:42:23

14. Neilson Powless (US/ EF Education-EasyPost) 00:44:58

15. Thomas Pidcock (GBR/Ineos Grenadiers) 00:46:09

16. Luis León Sánchez (ESP/Bahrain Victorious) 00:47:07

17. Patrick Konrad (GER/ Bora-Hansgrohe) 00:51:38

18. Thibaut Pinot (FRA/ Groupama-FDJ) 00:53:00

19. Sepp Kuss (NED/Jumbo-Visma) 00:57:59

20. Dylan Teuns (BEL/Bahrain Victorious) 01:06:01