Tour de France
Alpe d’Huez twice: the epic 2026 Tour finale
The 2026 Tour de France is making history. For the first time ever, the race will finish on Alpe d’Huez on two consecutive days
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Two stages, two completely different approaches to one of cycling’s most iconic climbs, and a spectacular finale in the battle for the podium.
Stage 19: The classic climb with 21 hairpin bends
Friday’s Stage 19 features the legendary ascent from Bourg-d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez. At just under 128 kilometres, it is the shortest mass-start stage of this year’s Tour, but don’t let the distance fool you. With around 3,500 metres of climbing, the riders face a demanding day capped by one of cycling’s most famous finishes.
The 16-kilometre climb, with its iconic 21 hairpin bends, is synonymous with Tour de France history. Thousands of fans have already set up camp along the mountain, creating the electric atmosphere that has made Alpe d’Huez one of the sport’s greatest spectacles.
Thousands of fans line the route as riders make their way to Alpe d'Huez
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With the battle for the yellow jersey likely already decided, attention now turns to the fight for the remaining podium places. Several contenders and their teams still have everything to race for. Remco Evenepoel starts the stage in second place, determined to defend his position on one of the Tour’s most legendary climbs.
Stage 20: The ultimate mountain test
But the Alpine drama is far from over. Just 24 hours later, the peloton returns to Alpe d’Huez—this time via a far more demanding route.
Jai Hindley and Maxim Van Gils lead Remco Evenepoel through the mountains
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After conquering the legendary Col de la Croix de Fer, the Galibier and, for the first time in Tour history, the Col de Sarenne, the riders tackle the final climb from the opposite side. With more than 5,500 metres of elevation gain, Stage 20 is widely regarded as the queen stage of the 2026 Tour de France.
The contrast between the two days couldn’t be greater: first a short, explosive mountain stage, then an epic high-altitude marathon. Riders who emptied the tank on Friday will have to do it all again on Saturday.
A first in Tour history
Never before has Alpe d’Huez hosted the finish of two consecutive Tour de France stages. The race organisers have deliberately designed a dramatic finale: first the classic ascent via the famous 21 hairpins, followed by the even tougher approach over the Col de Sarenne.
L'Alpe d'Huez: In summer, a ski resort becomes a cyclist’s paradise
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Two completely different challenges. One legendary finish.
For cycling fans, it promises an unforgettable weekend as Alpe d’Huez takes centre stage twice in what could become one of the most memorable finales in Tour de France history.wo completely different stages lead to the same legendary finish. For cycling fans, this promises an extraordinary weekend, during which L’Alpe d’Huez will take centre stage at the Tour de France twice.
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