Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz won Stage 18 of a major cycling race on Thursday, pulling away from the pack in a solo breakaway during the final part of the stage. Carapaz finished 45 seconds ahead of Switzerland's Mauro Schmid and American Matteo Jorgenson, who came in second and third respectively. The stage featured challenging terrain, with riders climbing over 3,000 meters of elevation gain. Carapaz, known for his climbing ability, made his decisive move in the closing kilometers and held off his rivals to secure the victory. The win adds to his impressive career, which includes winning the Giro d'Italia in 2019. Friday's Stage 19 is another mountain stage, with similar elevation gains expected. The race continues as riders battle for the overall classification, with Carapaz's victory boosting his standing in the competition. Fans are eager to see how the remaining stages unfold.