Alpe d’Huez to host two consecutive Tour de France stage finishes
The 2026 Tour de France will feature two consecutive stages concluding at Alpe d’Huez, with Stage 19 covering a distance of 128km. This particular stage will see the full climb of the mountain, promising a challenging race from start to finish.
The race organisers have designed a route that could significantly impact the general classification. The short distance of 128km for Stage 19 suggests an intense and fast-paced competition. Teams vying for the overall victory will need to strategically approach this stage, especially given the full ascent of Alpe d’Huez.
General Classification Implications
The current leader, Tadej Pogacar, holds a lead of 4 minutes 32 seconds over Remco Evenepoel. Pogacar, a four-time winner, is aiming for a fifth title, which would place him among a select group of riders. His performance in mountain stages has been strong, having secured a first and a second place in previous summit finishes this year.
The approach of other general classification teams to Stage 19 will be closely watched. One team, UAE, has reportedly been affected by illness among some of its members, and has lost rider Brandon McNulty. This could influence their strategy and potentially open opportunities for rivals.
Stage 18 and Breakaway Opportunities
Prior to Stage 19, Stage 18, which took place on Thursday, July 23, covered a route of 185km from Voiron to Orcieres-Merlette. This mountain stage, while not as demanding as the upcoming Alpe d’Huez climbs, presented an opportunity for a breakaway to succeed.
The route for Stage 18 included the category one Cote d’Engins early on, followed by three lower-category climbs before a 7.1km ascent to the finish. Riders such as Richard Carapaz, Davide Piganzoli, Tobias Johannessen, Luke Plapp, and Valentin Paret Peintre were considered likely candidates for an escape group.
Richard Carapaz, who is currently 12th overall, was seen as a strong contender for Stage 18. His position in the general classification means he poses no threat to the podium contenders, making him a prime candidate for a stage win from a breakaway. He is the best-placed rider for EF Education-Easypost, a team known for its active stage-hunting approach. Carapaz has demonstrated strong form in tougher stages, securing top 12 finishes in four of them, and the shorter finish of Orcieres-Merlette was expected to suit him.
The climb to Orcieres-Merlette is 7.1km with an average gradient of 6.7 per cent, which is less steep than the 11.3km climb at 9.1 per cent for the upcoming Alpe d’Huez summit finish. This difference in gradient made Stage 18 more conducive for breakaway riders to maintain their lead.
Pogacar, despite being a strong favourite for any mountain stage, might have been more focused on conserving energy for the more demanding challenges ahead at Alpe d’Huez. He also had the option of trying to set up his teammate, Isaac del Toro, for a stage victory, as he did in a previous summit finish.
The 2026 Tour de France began on Saturday, July 4, in Barcelona and is scheduled to conclude on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Sunday, July 26.
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Source: cyclingmole.com
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
