Ecuadorian cyclist Richard Carapaz claimed victory in the 20th stage of the Tour de France on Saturday, overcoming challenges from American rider Sepp Kuss, who crashed twice in the final kilometers.The EF Education-EasyPost rider secured his second stage win in three days and clinched the mountains classification.Carapaz's triumph came after a dramatic race where Kuss, despite managing to claw back seconds, ultimately finished 31 seconds behind Carapaz.Belgium's Remco Evenepoel took second place, while Kuss settled for third.Race leader Tadej Pogacar maintained his dominance, holding a seven-minute lead over Evenepoel heading into the final stage.The 170.9km route from Le Bourg-d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez was part of a shortened final stage due to security concerns over wildfires near Bordeaux.The stage's reduction from 133km to 89km allowed authorities to redeploy resources effectively.

Carapaz's victory highlighted his resilience, as he outpaced the leading group after Kuss's crashes, showcasing his tactical prowess and determination.The race's conclusion underscores the competitive nature of the Tour de France, with Pogacar poised to secure his fifth title.The event's logistical adjustments reflect the broader challenges of balancing sporting events with public safety concerns.