{"id":7892,"date":"2026-07-07T11:32:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:32:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/summit-showdown-the-decider-of-tour-de-france-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T11:32:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:32:41","slug":"summit-showdown-the-decider-of-tour-de-france-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/nl\/summit-showdown-the-decider-of-tour-de-france-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Summit Showdown: The Decider of Tour de France 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 Tour de France, commencing on July 4 and concluding on July 26, spans 3,333 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 54,450 meters. This 113th edition is particularly challenging for climbers, featuring eight mountain stages and five summit finishes. Notably, the race includes two consecutive finishes atop Alpe d’Huez during the final weekend, a first in Tour history. (cyclingnews.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Stage 3: Granollers to Les Angles<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Tour’s entry into the Pyrenees begins with Stage 3, covering 196.26 kilometers and an elevation gain of 3,940 meters. The final ascent to Les Angles, a ski resort at 1,794 meters, is 1.7 kilometers long with an average gradient of 6.5%. Riders also face the Col de Toses, a Category 1 climb of 9.3 kilometers at 6.5%. Tadej Poga\u010dar secured a solo victory, taking the yellow jersey from Jonas Vingegaard. (techradar.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Stage 6: Pau to Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stage 6, spanning 186.42 kilometers with 4,149 meters of elevation gain, features the Col d’Aspin and the iconic Col du Tourmalet, a 17-kilometer climb at a 7.3% average gradient. The final ascent to Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre is 18.7 kilometers at a 4% average gradient. This stage is pivotal for general classification contenders, with the potential to significantly impact the overall standings. (cyclingfantasy.cc<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Stage 15: Champagnole to Plateau de Solaison<\/strong><\/p>\n

On July 19, Stage 15 introduces the Plateau de Solaison, an 11.3-kilometer hors cat\u00e9gorie climb with an average gradient of 9%. This relentless ascent follows a challenging day with nearly 4,000 meters of elevation gain. The stage also includes the Col de la Croisette, the steepest climb of the Tour at 4.6 kilometers with an 11.2% average gradient. This stage is crucial for riders aiming to solidify their positions before the final rest day. (cyclingfantasy.cc<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Stage 18: Voiron to Orci\u00e8res-Merlette<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stage 18, covering 185.62 kilometers with 3,944 meters of elevation gain, culminates in the ascent to Orci\u00e8res-Merlette, a 7.1-kilometer climb at a 6.7% average gradient. The stage includes five categorized climbs, including the C\u00f4te d\u2019Engins and the C\u00f4te de Monteynard. This stage serves as a critical test for riders before the decisive Alpine stages. (cyclingfantasy.cc<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Stages 19 and 20: Alpe d’Huez<\/strong><\/p>\n

The final weekend features two consecutive stages finishing atop Alpe d’Huez, each presenting unique challenges.<\/p>\n