{"id":2030069,"date":"2026-07-06T17:49:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2030069"},"modified":"2026-07-06T17:49:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:49:49","slug":"uncharted-terrain-builds-on-the-legend-of-alpe-dhuez-at-this-years-tour-de-france-a-retrospect-of-two-sides-to-one-mountain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2030069","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Uncharted terrain&#8217; builds on the legend of Alpe d&#8217;Huez at this year&#8217;s Tour de France &#8211; A retrospect of two sides to one mountain"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Kjbc5ub8JBrEiLVotaWVkA-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVqXU4hAqBekSiepQALPvJ-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZVqXU4hAqBekSiepQALPvJ-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: World champion grabs yellow by the smallest margins with Tour de France stage 3 uphill sprint\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B3jSJZ9hH8SKgVMX5ZorvU-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and Evenepoel battle it out for first yellow jersey in team time trial, but can Ineos spoil the GC party?\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Uncharted terrain&#8217; builds on the legend of Alpe d&#8217;Huez at this year&#8217;s Tour de France &#8211; A retrospect of two sides to one mountain<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-06T17:49:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Stages 19 and 20 lead to the top of famous ski resort with first-time ascent of La Sarenne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">The Tour de France men&#8217;s peloton last climbed Alpe d&#8217;Huez in 2022<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>What is Alpe d&#8217;Huez?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>When did the Tour arrive?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Double duty<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>La Sarenne<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-03211d9a-5e6e-4049-9979-bd52bf93786b\">&#8220;New&#8221; is rarely used now to describe a route of the Tour de France after 112 editions of the world&#8217;s biggest bike race. Almost every nook and cranny, from lush valleys to rugged alpine slopes, has been covered by the Grand Tour, so why not make something old new again?<\/p>\n<p>At the 113th edition of the Tour, the striking crescendo to the three weeks of racing will take place with back-to-back days of climbing at Alpe d&#8217;Huez, the first time the ascent will be made from two different sides.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03211d9a-5e6e-4049-9979-bd52bf93786b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is always special when the 21 days of racing include the 21 switchbacks of l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, which isn&#8217;t that common. This is just the 33rd time the climb has featured in the men&#8217;s Tour, and it decided the winner of the Tour de France Femmes in 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The last time the men climbed Alpe d&#8217;Huez was in 2022, when the Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer were included on the approach to the &#8216;front&#8217; climb, Tom Pidcock carving his name into cycling&#8217;s history books.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 21 switchbacks on the signature climb to the alpine ski resort area have become legendary among cycling fans and riders alike. It has been described as beautiful and brutal. Each corner brings a reprieve from the relentless ascent, averaging 8.1% for the official 13.7 kilometres, as well as reminders of past champions, each hairpin numbered and a sign emblazoned with a name, or two, of past stage winners to the top of the mountain.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">2026 Tour de France route &#8211; the complete stage-by-stage guide<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage 19 brings a more familiar passage from Gap to Alpe d&#8217;Huez, this time with early ascents of Col Bayard and Col du Noyer, leading to Col d\u2019Ornon and the famous finale of 3,500 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is then Saturday&#8217;s stage 20 that brings &#8220;uncharted terrain&#8221;, as the Tour&#8217;s Director Christian Prudhomme described it. The day starts in the shadow of the mountain in le Bourg d&#8217;Oisans and stabs the legs with 5,450 metres of elevation across four climbs, including the hors categorie Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer, for a first-time strike up the back side from the HC test at Col de Sarenne.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-what-is-alpe-d-huez\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>What is Alpe d&#8217;Huez?<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5ea63341-ce71-4741-a3c7-04ef0f5475e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In addition to the Tour de France, Alpe d&#8217;Huez hosted FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup races in 2022 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-524df0c7-6277-47a6-a192-2f9c5d3654e8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">First and foremost, Alpe d&#8217;Huez is a ski area in Is\u00e8re that was developed in the 1920s. Winter is the busier season for the mountain as a prime location connected to other resorts &#8211; Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas, Auris-en-Oisans &#8211; for 250 kilometres of slopes across 10,000 hectares (including 840 skiable). The connections to these trails are made by 70 ski lifts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A year before the Tour first arrived at Alpe d&#8217;Huez in 1952, the budding ski area hosted the Bobsleigh World Championships, the first time two-man and four-man competitions were held in France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When the 1968 Winter Olympic Games came to Grenoble, Alpe d&#8217;Huez, located 65km to the south-east, was selected for bobsleigh competitions. That track no longer exists, but the area nonetheless benefited from global interest in other alpine adventures.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France 2026 stage 19 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-250-80.jpeg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-150-80.jpeg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9-Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those ski lifts will come in handy at this year&#8217;s Tour de France, as officials in the department of Is\u00e8re, in collaboration with Tour organisers, will close many of the roads to traffic for several days on July 24 and 25 due to the pro bike race, and have recommended that spectators use ski lifts for travel in the area those days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It seems that getting to the top of Alpe d&#8217;Huez may be even more of an adventure for spectators than the pro athletes! Operating ski lifts will allow spectators to reach Alpe d&#8217;Huez from Villard-Reculas via the Signal gondola, or smaller lifts from Auris-en-Oisans. There are also other options that require two or more cable car connections.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-when-did-the-tour-arrive\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>When did the Tour arrive?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4b141df3-163c-4103-8aed-152a84706271\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the first Tour de France took place in 1903, it was 49 years later that the first summit finish of the route was introduced, and that was at Alpe d&#8217;Huez. Over that span of years, the Tour was held 39 times, with racing suspended twice due to world wars.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian Fausto Coppi was the first winner on the then-new mountain, the road unpaved in 1952. Coppi stormed up the mountain in 45 minutes and 22 seconds &#8211; a record which would hold until 1989 &#8211; and took the yellow jersey from Italian Andrea Carrea, which launched him to a second GC title. In fact, both years he won the Tour (1949 and 1952), he also won the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But race officials were stunned at how fast he ascended Alpe d&#8217;Huez and deemed the climb &#8216;easy&#8217;, so removed it from the route for two decades. The climb made a second appearance in 1976, this time Joop Zoetemelk and Lucien Van Impe battling together for the victory, Zoetemelk winning the stage and Van Impe taking the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-double-duty\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Double duty<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f948ce24-a9ba-42bd-a93c-47a0e656c148\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Various lifts at the ski resort are recommended for spectators to reach Alpe d&#8217;Huez <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-aaf172b6-a744-40cc-9d5f-edbb91c02e7d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Two times before, Alpe d&#8217;Huez has featured as a double climb for riders in the same Tour de France. In 1979, the 21 switchbacks were tackled on back-to-back days. The first time up was stage 17, which ran 167 kilometres from Les Menuires. The first trip was won by Portuguese rider Joaquim Agostinho.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 18 had a rare start at the top of the mountain, with a 119km circuit that wound back to the top. Zoetemelk earned his second victory in four years, riding in a time of 47 minutes, 26 seconds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More history was written in 2013 when l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez was climbed twice on the same day. As stage 18, the route started in Gap for 172.5km, making the first ascent of the big climb with 66km to cover.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once through the ski resort at the top, riders still had to climb higher to the top of Col de Sarenne, at an elevation of 1,999 metres, and made the first-ever descent on the narrow, pot-hole-filled tarmac on the backside of the mountain, only to sail through the Romanche Valley and back to the switchbacks. Christophe Riblon won the stage from the breakaway while Chris Froome finished 3:18 back in the yellow jersey and held on for the overall win three days later in Paris.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-la-sarenne\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>La Sarenne<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-61865e0b-b16c-4955-b91f-632ba2676e83\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Col de Sarenne <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Will Jones)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e92a6e4a-12c0-49cf-bb70-f2f95c532ee1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s Alpe d&#8217;Huez double is distinctly different, as there is no duplication with the route taken to the top. The first day is the traditional climb, while the second day is the new climb on the back side, now with new pavement to the top. While the road may be smoother, it may not be a trouble-free climb, as recent hot weather has produced severe thunderstorms that have left roads flooded and strewn with rockslides.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The ascent is 12.8km, similar in length to the other side, and has a softer 7.3% gradient. However, the steeper section of this climb comes near the top, a long stretch of 2km with pitches at 10%, while most of the 11-12% gradients from the Bourg d&#8217;Oisans side begin at the base.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And after the crest of the HC-classified climb, riders still have 14km to the finish line, a large loop at the top of the developed ski resort area.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last fall, local environmentalists created an online petition to raise concerns to organisers about the race negatively impacting local flora and fauna, the climb located next to a natural park. The wildlife mentioned specifically included golden eagles, whose hatching occurs in the Sarenne area or adjoining valleys in July.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Col de Sarenne is open to road traffic four months of the year, with a speed limit set at 20 kph due to the narrow width and unbarriered sections of the roadway. It will be interesting to see how fast the lead riders push up the path with 144.4 tough kilometres in the legs and 26.5km to go from the base of the final approach of stage 20.<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-f51f0cd3-339a-4b1d-894d-df6d0d0e7aa8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-3dff388c-20b2-4d89-81d4-ed9bc9bd5ab2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">2026 Tour de France route &#8211; the complete stage-by-stage guide<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 19 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-840-80.jpeg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-650-80.jpeg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-500-80.jpeg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-450-80.jpeg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-320-80.jpeg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9-Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar blasts away from Jonas Vingegaard on final section of Les Angles ascent for stage 3 victory and yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sportsmanship on show at Tour de France as Isaac del Toro gets mechanical assistance from rival teams after his own team cars drive straight past him<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Series: Petr Vako\u010d and Nele Laing celebrate in Singen as they take victories at Hegau Gravel<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019ve dreamed about this day since last year when the calendar came out&#8217; \u2013 Martina Berta breaks through with elite women&#8217;s win at home cross-country MTB World Cup at La Thuile<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How do riders stay cool at the Tour de France? Alcohol sprays and frozen carbs are just the tip of the iceberg<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Race bikes head-to-head: Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Colnago Y1RS vs Vingegaard&#8217;s Cerv\u00e9lo S5 &#8211; Which setup will prove fastest?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooling hacks, prototype bikes and new TT groupset parts: Tour de France TTT tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New helmets from KASK and POC, loads of aero tape hacks, and two new prototype bikes: It&#8217;s time for the 2026 Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part mega tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Our Tour de France predictions \u2013 The Cyclingnews team&#8217;s best guesses for how the race will play out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Jonas Vingegaard says &#8216;it&#8217;s a shame&#8217; to lose the yellow jersey, but expected to be worse off after opening Tour de France stages<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Arnaud De Lie out of Tour de France after brutal day of suffering<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar blasts away from Jonas Vingegaard on final section of Les Angles ascent for stage 3 victory and yellow jersey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Race bikes head-to-head: Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Colnago Y1RS vs Vingegaard&#8217;s Cerv\u00e9lo S5 &#8211; Which setup will prove fastest?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">A near miss with a car and race radio mix-up as young Paul Seixas tastes the chaos of the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Uncharted terrain&#8217; builds on the legend of Alpe d&#8217;Huez at this year&#8217;s Tour de France &#8211; A retrospect of two sides to one mountain<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-06T17:49:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Stages 19 and 20 lead to the top of famous ski resort with first-time ascent of La Sarenne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">The Tour de France men&#8217;s peloton last climbed Alpe d&#8217;Huez in 2022<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"1\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[var(--site-header-height,60px)] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump To:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-(--jumpto-underline-color) border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>What is Alpe d&#8217;Huez?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>When did the Tour arrive?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Double duty<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>La Sarenne<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-03211d9a-5e6e-4049-9979-bd52bf93786b\">&#8220;New&#8221; is rarely used now to describe a route of the Tour de France after 112 editions of the world&#8217;s biggest bike race. Almost every nook and cranny, from lush valleys to rugged alpine slopes, has been covered by the Grand Tour, so why not make something old new again?<\/p>\n<p>At the 113th edition of the Tour, the striking crescendo to the three weeks of racing will take place with back-to-back days of climbing at Alpe d&#8217;Huez, the first time the ascent will be made from two different sides.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03211d9a-5e6e-4049-9979-bd52bf93786b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is always special when the 21 days of racing include the 21 switchbacks of l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, which isn&#8217;t that common. This is just the 33rd time the climb has featured in the men&#8217;s Tour, and it decided the winner of the Tour de France Femmes in 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The last time the men climbed Alpe d&#8217;Huez was in 2022, when the Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer were included on the approach to the &#8216;front&#8217; climb, Tom Pidcock carving his name into cycling&#8217;s history books.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 21 switchbacks on the signature climb to the alpine ski resort area have become legendary among cycling fans and riders alike. It has been described as beautiful and brutal. Each corner brings a reprieve from the relentless ascent, averaging 8.1% for the official 13.7 kilometres, as well as reminders of past champions, each hairpin numbered and a sign emblazoned with a name, or two, of past stage winners to the top of the mountain.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">2026 Tour de France route &#8211; the complete stage-by-stage guide<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage 19 brings a more familiar passage from Gap to Alpe d&#8217;Huez, this time with early ascents of Col Bayard and Col du Noyer, leading to Col d\u2019Ornon and the famous finale of 3,500 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is then Saturday&#8217;s stage 20 that brings &#8220;uncharted terrain&#8221;, as the Tour&#8217;s Director Christian Prudhomme described it. The day starts in the shadow of the mountain in le Bourg d&#8217;Oisans and stabs the legs with 5,450 metres of elevation across four climbs, including the hors categorie Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer, for a first-time strike up the back side from the HC test at Col de Sarenne.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-what-is-alpe-d-huez\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>What is Alpe d&#8217;Huez?<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5ea63341-ce71-4741-a3c7-04ef0f5475e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In addition to the Tour de France, Alpe d&#8217;Huez hosted FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup races in 2022 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-524df0c7-6277-47a6-a192-2f9c5d3654e8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">First and foremost, Alpe d&#8217;Huez is a ski area in Is\u00e8re that was developed in the 1920s. Winter is the busier season for the mountain as a prime location connected to other resorts &#8211; Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas, Auris-en-Oisans &#8211; for 250 kilometres of slopes across 10,000 hectares (including 840 skiable). The connections to these trails are made by 70 ski lifts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A year before the Tour first arrived at Alpe d&#8217;Huez in 1952, the budding ski area hosted the Bobsleigh World Championships, the first time two-man and four-man competitions were held in France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When the 1968 Winter Olympic Games came to Grenoble, Alpe d&#8217;Huez, located 65km to the south-east, was selected for bobsleigh competitions. That track no longer exists, but the area nonetheless benefited from global interest in other alpine adventures.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France 2026 stage 19 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-250-80.jpeg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-150-80.jpeg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9-Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those ski lifts will come in handy at this year&#8217;s Tour de France, as officials in the department of Is\u00e8re, in collaboration with Tour organisers, will close many of the roads to traffic for several days on July 24 and 25 due to the pro bike race, and have recommended that spectators use ski lifts for travel in the area those days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It seems that getting to the top of Alpe d&#8217;Huez may be even more of an adventure for spectators than the pro athletes! Operating ski lifts will allow spectators to reach Alpe d&#8217;Huez from Villard-Reculas via the Signal gondola, or smaller lifts from Auris-en-Oisans. There are also other options that require two or more cable car connections.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-when-did-the-tour-arrive\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>When did the Tour arrive?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4b141df3-163c-4103-8aed-152a84706271\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the first Tour de France took place in 1903, it was 49 years later that the first summit finish of the route was introduced, and that was at Alpe d&#8217;Huez. Over that span of years, the Tour was held 39 times, with racing suspended twice due to world wars.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian Fausto Coppi was the first winner on the then-new mountain, the road unpaved in 1952. Coppi stormed up the mountain in 45 minutes and 22 seconds &#8211; a record which would hold until 1989 &#8211; and took the yellow jersey from Italian Andrea Carrea, which launched him to a second GC title. In fact, both years he won the Tour (1949 and 1952), he also won the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But race officials were stunned at how fast he ascended Alpe d&#8217;Huez and deemed the climb &#8216;easy&#8217;, so removed it from the route for two decades. The climb made a second appearance in 1976, this time Joop Zoetemelk and Lucien Van Impe battling together for the victory, Zoetemelk winning the stage and Van Impe taking the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-double-duty\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Double duty<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f948ce24-a9ba-42bd-a93c-47a0e656c148\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Various lifts at the ski resort are recommended for spectators to reach Alpe d&#8217;Huez <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-aaf172b6-a744-40cc-9d5f-edbb91c02e7d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Two times before, Alpe d&#8217;Huez has featured as a double climb for riders in the same Tour de France. In 1979, the 21 switchbacks were tackled on back-to-back days. The first time up was stage 17, which ran 167 kilometres from Les Menuires. The first trip was won by Portuguese rider Joaquim Agostinho.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 18 had a rare start at the top of the mountain, with a 119km circuit that wound back to the top. Zoetemelk earned his second victory in four years, riding in a time of 47 minutes, 26 seconds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More history was written in 2013 when l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez was climbed twice on the same day. As stage 18, the route started in Gap for 172.5km, making the first ascent of the big climb with 66km to cover.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once through the ski resort at the top, riders still had to climb higher to the top of Col de Sarenne, at an elevation of 1,999 metres, and made the first-ever descent on the narrow, pot-hole-filled tarmac on the backside of the mountain, only to sail through the Romanche Valley and back to the switchbacks. Christophe Riblon won the stage from the breakaway while Chris Froome finished 3:18 back in the yellow jersey and held on for the overall win three days later in Paris.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-la-sarenne\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>La Sarenne<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-61865e0b-b16c-4955-b91f-632ba2676e83\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Col de Sarenne <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Will Jones)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e92a6e4a-12c0-49cf-bb70-f2f95c532ee1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s Alpe d&#8217;Huez double is distinctly different, as there is no duplication with the route taken to the top. The first day is the traditional climb, while the second day is the new climb on the back side, now with new pavement to the top. While the road may be smoother, it may not be a trouble-free climb, as recent hot weather has produced severe thunderstorms that have left roads flooded and strewn with rockslides.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The ascent is 12.8km, similar in length to the other side, and has a softer 7.3% gradient. However, the steeper section of this climb comes near the top, a long stretch of 2km with pitches at 10%, while most of the 11-12% gradients from the Bourg d&#8217;Oisans side begin at the base.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And after the crest of the HC-classified climb, riders still have 14km to the finish line, a large loop at the top of the developed ski resort area.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last fall, local environmentalists created an online petition to raise concerns to organisers about the race negatively impacting local flora and fauna, the climb located next to a natural park. The wildlife mentioned specifically included golden eagles, whose hatching occurs in the Sarenne area or adjoining valleys in July.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Col de Sarenne is open to road traffic four months of the year, with a speed limit set at 20 kph due to the narrow width and unbarriered sections of the roadway. It will be interesting to see how fast the lead riders push up the path with 144.4 tough kilometres in the legs and 26.5km to go from the base of the final approach of stage 20.<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-f51f0cd3-339a-4b1d-894d-df6d0d0e7aa8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-3dff388c-20b2-4d89-81d4-ed9bc9bd5ab2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">2026 Tour de France route &#8211; the complete stage-by-stage guide<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France 2026 stage 19 preview<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-840-80.jpeg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-650-80.jpeg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-500-80.jpeg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-450-80.jpeg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-320-80.jpeg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9-Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aiKdNouqrKSex5fGqxcPPY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I lacked that extra punch&#8217; &#8211; Remco Evenepoel blames long period away from racing for lack of sprint on Tour de France stage 3 uphill finish<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Sgj2xNVqb2pjqykDteVLM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar blasts away from Jonas Vingegaard on final section of Les Angles ascent for stage 3 victory and yellow jersey<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/n59ngoU3Kf7UnRk6a6Yjxb-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sportsmanship on show at Tour de France as Isaac del Toro gets mechanical assistance from rival teams after his own team cars drive straight past him<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fPW8kA5dWqyocG9fXbiErF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UCI Gravel World Series: Petr Vako\u010d and Nele Laing celebrate in Singen as they take victories at Hegau Gravel<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kUs4zDL3A6HPe3FtG4oh6R-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019ve dreamed about this day since last year when the calendar came out&#8217; \u2013 Martina Berta breaks through with elite women&#8217;s win at home cross-country MTB World Cup at La Thuile<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HzJ4jk9jTLVFUyhHDozwwY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How do riders stay cool at the Tour de France? Alcohol sprays and frozen carbs are just the tip of the iceberg<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WRh7H5dmDKtHb94oKUrqNM-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Race bikes head-to-head: Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Colnago Y1RS vs Vingegaard&#8217;s Cerv\u00e9lo S5 &#8211; Which setup will prove fastest?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bJSFVkodwVvGjKmmDG6zKj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The importance of a Tadej Poga\u010dar gift in the race against Vingegaard for Tour de France supremacy \u2013 Barcelona Grand D\u00e9part GC analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/G6zKNzHrkrtuTRCpkixn8T-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooling hacks, prototype bikes and new TT groupset parts: Tour de France TTT tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hD9k4JzNbMdhoiL2ovtfx4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New helmets from KASK and POC, loads of aero tape hacks, and two new prototype bikes: It&#8217;s time for the 2026 Tour de France Grand D\u00e9part mega tech gallery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fGxG8D3Lun5N52qPyTv3iF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Our Tour de France predictions \u2013 The Cyclingnews team&#8217;s best guesses for how the race will play out<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xodhXWDPfGbwkb4jfv9Xoe.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Jonas Vingegaard says &#8216;it&#8217;s a shame&#8217; to lose the yellow jersey, but expected to be worse off after opening Tour de France stages<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Arnaud De Lie out of Tour de France after brutal day of suffering<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de France: Tadej Poga\u010dar blasts away from Jonas Vingegaard on final section of Les Angles ascent for stage 3 victory and yellow jersey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Race bikes head-to-head: Poga\u010dar&#8217;s Colnago Y1RS vs Vingegaard&#8217;s Cerv\u00e9lo S5 &#8211; Which setup will prove fastest?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">A near miss with a car and race radio mix-up as young Paul Seixas tastes the chaos of the Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Uncharted terrain&#8217; builds on the legend of Alpe d&#8217;Huez at this year&#8217;s Tour de France &#8211; A retrospect of two sides to one mountain<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>Features<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-06T17:49:49Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Stages 19 and 20 lead to the top of famous ski resort with first-time ascent of La Sarenne<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-03211d9a-5e6e-4049-9979-bd52bf93786b\">&#8220;New&#8221; is rarely used now to describe a route of the Tour de France after 112 editions of the world&#8217;s biggest bike race. Almost every nook and cranny, from lush valleys to rugged alpine slopes, has been covered by the Grand Tour, so why not make something old new again?<\/p>\n<p>At the 113th edition of the Tour, the striking crescendo to the three weeks of racing will take place with back-to-back days of climbing at Alpe d&#8217;Huez, the first time the ascent will be made from two different sides.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-03211d9a-5e6e-4049-9979-bd52bf93786b-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is always special when the 21 days of racing include the 21 switchbacks of l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez, which isn&#8217;t that common. This is just the 33rd time the climb has featured in the men&#8217;s Tour, and it decided the winner of the Tour de France Femmes in 2024.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The last time the men climbed Alpe d&#8217;Huez was in 2022, when the Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer were included on the approach to the &#8216;front&#8217; climb, Tom Pidcock carving his name into cycling&#8217;s history books.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The 21 switchbacks on the signature climb to the alpine ski resort area have become legendary among cycling fans and riders alike. It has been described as beautiful and brutal. Each corner brings a reprieve from the relentless ascent, averaging 8.1% for the official 13.7 kilometres, as well as reminders of past champions, each hairpin numbered and a sign emblazoned with a name, or two, of past stage winners to the top of the mountain.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6UVQwoEXi5RjnZGn3ZMMAP-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">From a crucial TTT to double Alpe d&#8217;Huez \u2013 The key stages that will decide the Tour de France<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pM2BgPFQ384bBjTvvZktxm-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">2026 Tour de France route &#8211; the complete stage-by-stage guide<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Friday&#8217;s stage 19 brings a more familiar passage from Gap to Alpe d&#8217;Huez, this time with early ascents of Col Bayard and Col du Noyer, leading to Col d\u2019Ornon and the famous finale of 3,500 metres of climbing.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It is then Saturday&#8217;s stage 20 that brings &#8220;uncharted terrain&#8221;, as the Tour&#8217;s Director Christian Prudhomme described it. The day starts in the shadow of the mountain in le Bourg d&#8217;Oisans and stabs the legs with 5,450 metres of elevation across four climbs, including the hors categorie Col du Galibier and Col de la Croix de Fer, for a first-time strike up the back side from the HC test at Col de Sarenne.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WWdBxt9M8HVzpTqeETstJo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-what-is-alpe-d-huez\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>What is Alpe d&#8217;Huez?<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-5ea63341-ce71-4741-a3c7-04ef0f5475e3\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ADSvoumRRLAQn7HyEqomJg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">In addition to the Tour de France, Alpe d&#8217;Huez hosted FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup races in 2022 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-524df0c7-6277-47a6-a192-2f9c5d3654e8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">First and foremost, Alpe d&#8217;Huez is a ski area in Is\u00e8re that was developed in the 1920s. Winter is the busier season for the mountain as a prime location connected to other resorts &#8211; Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Villard-Reculas, Auris-en-Oisans &#8211; for 250 kilometres of slopes across 10,000 hectares (including 840 skiable). The connections to these trails are made by 70 ski lifts.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">A year before the Tour first arrived at Alpe d&#8217;Huez in 1952, the budding ski area hosted the Bobsleigh World Championships, the first time two-man and four-man competitions were held in France.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">When the 1968 Winter Olympic Games came to Grenoble, Alpe d&#8217;Huez, located 65km to the south-east, was selected for bobsleigh competitions. That track no longer exists, but the area nonetheless benefited from global interest in other alpine adventures.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xcRHnx9R4ss9w7pJwVVKiV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Ineos with leadership issues, Seixas and Del Toro with ground to make up \u2013 GC analysis ahead of mountain triple-header in Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZzT53PpcfikUcMsF9gvtM5-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France 2026 stage 19 preview<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-250-80.jpeg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WYfAHCQKTpsne9zSCtRiAH-150-80.jpeg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9-Tour Auvergne-Rh\u00f4ne-Alpes 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Those ski lifts will come in handy at this year&#8217;s Tour de France, as officials in the department of Is\u00e8re, in collaboration with Tour organisers, will close many of the roads to traffic for several days on July 24 and 25 due to the pro bike race, and have recommended that spectators use ski lifts for travel in the area those days.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">It seems that getting to the top of Alpe d&#8217;Huez may be even more of an adventure for spectators than the pro athletes! Operating ski lifts will allow spectators to reach Alpe d&#8217;Huez from Villard-Reculas via the Signal gondola, or smaller lifts from Auris-en-Oisans. There are also other options that require two or more cable car connections.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-when-did-the-tour-arrive\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>When did the Tour arrive?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"elk-4b141df3-163c-4103-8aed-152a84706271\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">After the first Tour de France took place in 1903, it was 49 years later that the first summit finish of the route was introduced, and that was at Alpe d&#8217;Huez. Over that span of years, the Tour was held 39 times, with racing suspended twice due to world wars.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Italian Fausto Coppi was the first winner on the then-new mountain, the road unpaved in 1952. Coppi stormed up the mountain in 45 minutes and 22 seconds &#8211; a record which would hold until 1989 &#8211; and took the yellow jersey from Italian Andrea Carrea, which launched him to a second GC title. In fact, both years he won the Tour (1949 and 1952), he also won the Giro d&#8217;Italia.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">But race officials were stunned at how fast he ascended Alpe d&#8217;Huez and deemed the climb &#8216;easy&#8217;, so removed it from the route for two decades. The climb made a second appearance in 1976, this time Joop Zoetemelk and Lucien Van Impe battling together for the victory, Zoetemelk winning the stage and Van Impe taking the yellow jersey.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-double-duty\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>Double duty<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-f948ce24-a9ba-42bd-a93c-47a0e656c148\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PBm9ZAvkE3FFjprxqBBjt7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Various lifts at the ski resort are recommended for spectators to reach Alpe d&#8217;Huez <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-aaf172b6-a744-40cc-9d5f-edbb91c02e7d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Two times before, Alpe d&#8217;Huez has featured as a double climb for riders in the same Tour de France. In 1979, the 21 switchbacks were tackled on back-to-back days. The first time up was stage 17, which ran 167 kilometres from Les Menuires. The first trip was won by Portuguese rider Joaquim Agostinho.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Stage 18 had a rare start at the top of the mountain, with a 119km circuit that wound back to the top. Zoetemelk earned his second victory in four years, riding in a time of 47 minutes, 26 seconds.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">More history was written in 2013 when l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez was climbed twice on the same day. As stage 18, the route started in Gap for 172.5km, making the first ascent of the big climb with 66km to cover.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Once through the ski resort at the top, riders still had to climb higher to the top of Col de Sarenne, at an elevation of 1,999 metres, and made the first-ever descent on the narrow, pot-hole-filled tarmac on the backside of the mountain, only to sail through the Romanche Valley and back to the switchbacks. Christophe Riblon won the stage from the breakaway while Chris Froome finished 3:18 back in the yellow jersey and held on for the overall win three days later in Paris.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section kiosq-b\" id=\"section-la-sarenne\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span>La Sarenne<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-61865e0b-b16c-4955-b91f-632ba2676e83\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ha5iKy9YrUuxBApiMiUxPe-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Col de Sarenne <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Will Jones)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e92a6e4a-12c0-49cf-bb70-f2f95c532ee1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This year&#8217;s Alpe d&#8217;Huez double is distinctly different, as there is no duplication with the route taken to the top. The first day is the traditional climb, while the second day is the new climb on the back side, now with new pavement to the top. While the road may be smoother, it may not be a trouble-free climb, as recent hot weather has produced severe thunderstorms that have left roads flooded and strewn with rockslides.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The ascent is 12.8km, similar in length to the other side, and has a softer 7.3% gradient. However, the steeper section of this climb comes near the top, a long stretch of 2km with pitches at 10%, while most of the 11-12% gradients from the Bourg d&#8217;Oisans side begin at the base.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">And after the crest of the HC-classified climb, riders still have 14km to the finish line, a large loop at the top of the developed ski resort area.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Last fall, local environmentalists created an online petition to raise concerns to organisers about the race negatively impacting local flora and fauna, the climb located next to a natural park. The wildlife mentioned specifically included golden eagles, whose hatching occurs in the Sarenne area or adjoining valleys in July.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The Col de Sarenne is open to road traffic four months of the year, with a speed limit set at 20 kph due to the narrow width and unbarriered sections of the roadway. It will be interesting to see how fast the lead riders push up the path with 144.4 tough kilometres in the legs and 26.5km to go from the base of the final approach of stage 20.<\/p>\n<hr id=\"elk-f51f0cd3-339a-4b1d-894d-df6d0d0e7aa8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<p id=\"elk-3dff388c-20b2-4d89-81d4-ed9bc9bd5ab2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/uncharted-terrain-builds-on-the-legend-of-alpe-dhuez-at-this-years-tour-de-france-a-retrospect-of-two-sides-to-one-mountain\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kogAv54QjVoZVzHbqYaWoQ-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 How it unfolded: Huge fight among the big GC teams for victory at Barcelona team time trial Grand D\u00e9part 2 As it happened: World champion grabs yellow by the smallest margins with Tour de France stage 3 uphill sprint 3 Tour de France 2026 stage 1 preview \u2013 Poga\u010dar, Vingegaard and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2030069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2030069","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2030069"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2030069\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2030069"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2030069"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2030069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}