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)
Stage 3: Granollers to Les Angles
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 Pogačar secured a solo victory, taking the yellow jersey from Jonas Vingegaard. (techradar.com)
Stage 6: Pau to Gavarnie-Gèdre
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-Gèdre 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)
Stage 15: Champagnole to Plateau de Solaison
On July 19, Stage 15 introduces the Plateau de Solaison, an 11.3-kilometer hors catégorie 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)
Stage 18: Voiron to Orcières-Merlette
Stage 18, covering 185.62 kilometers with 3,944 meters of elevation gain, culminates in the ascent to Orcières-Merlette, a 7.1-kilometer climb at a 6.7% average gradient. The stage includes five categorized climbs, including the Côte d’Engins and the Côte de Monteynard. This stage serves as a critical test for riders before the decisive Alpine stages. (cyclingfantasy.cc)
Stages 19 and 20: Alpe d’Huez
The final weekend features two consecutive stages finishing atop Alpe d’Huez, each presenting unique challenges.
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Stage 19: Gap to Alpe d’Huez
This 127.9-kilometer stage with 3,500 meters of elevation gain includes the Col Bayard, Col du Noyer, and Col d’Ornon before the 13.8-kilometer ascent to Alpe d’Huez at an 8.1% average gradient. The short, intense stage is expected to produce significant time gaps among the general classification contenders. (cyclingfantasy.cc)
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Stage 20: Le Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez
The penultimate stage is a grueling 170.9 kilometers with 5,450 meters of elevation gain. It includes the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, and Col de Sarenne before the final ascent to Alpe d’Huez. This stage is the ultimate opportunity for riders to challenge the overall leader before the final stage in Paris. (cyclingfantasy.cc)
Conclusion
The 2026 Tour de France’s mountain stages are strategically placed to test climbers’ endurance and tactical acumen. With challenging ascents, including the unprecedented back-to-back finishes on Alpe d’Huez, the race is set to be a thrilling contest for the yellow jersey.
Highlights:
- 2026 Tour de France route – the complete stage-by-stage guide, Published on Wednesday, July 01
- Tour de France 2026: Everything you need to know, Published on Monday, July 06
- How to watch Tour de France 2026: FREE live streams, TV channels, schedule – Stage 3, Published on Monday, July 06