Stage 19 of the Tour de France: Live Updates from Alpe d’Huez
Date: July 24, 2026
Venue: Tour de France, Stage 19
Alpe d’Huez is once again playing a pivotal role in this year’s Tour de France as the cyclists tackle the iconic climb in Stage 19. This stage, running from Gap to Alpe d’Huez over a challenging 127.9 kilometers, features an elevation gain of 3,572 meters, setting the stage for thrilling action that could significantly impact the general classification just days before the tour culminates in Paris.
A Challenging Route
The day marks the second part of the alpine triptych, and it features two consecutive finishes at Alpe d’Huez, although Saturday’s climb will take a different approach. The course previously visited this legendary mountain four years ago, offering the riders another chance to conquer its 21 notorious hairpin bends.
The race kicks off with an immediate climb, first reaching Col Bayard, a second-category ascent crowning at kilometer 4.5 after 4.7 kilometers of climbing at an average of 7.2%. Shortly afterward, the riders will ascend the first-category Col du Noyer: 7.3 kilometers at a grueling 8.4%, summiting near kilometer 25.
After these two arduous climbs, the course flattens out momentarily before the intermediate sprint at Le Périer, located at kilometer 89.5. As riders approach the Col d’Ornon (another second-category climb), which spans 5.5 kilometers at 6.3%, the tension escalates. The descent from Col d’Ornon leads to Bourg d’Oisans, right at the base of Alpe d’Huez.
The Climactic Ascent
The final segment to Alpe d’Huez is classified as a special category climb, challenging cyclists over 13.8 kilometers at an average gradient of 8%. This ascent is not just about endurance but strategy, as riders will battle for stage victory and vital seconds in the overall standings.
Key Race Developments
Kilometer 120: Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz attacks as the finish line approaches—only 7 kilometers remain.
Kilometer 118: Sepp Kuss of Visma Lease Bike, Richard Carapaz of EF Education Easypost, and Lenny Martínez of Bahrain Victorious are in the hunt for victory, while Pogačar is closely followed by Adam Yates.
Kilometer 116: Pogačar, the race leader, makes his move on the ascent of Alpe d’Huez, signaling his intent to solidify his position ahead of the peloton.
Kilometer 115: The general climb has officially begun; there are only 12 kilometers left to the finish.
Current Race Situation
As of the latest updates:
Kilometer 108: Cyclists are beginning their ascent to Alpe d’Huez, with only 20 kilometers before they reach the final challenge.
Kilometer 100: Richard Carapaz captures the mountain pass at Col d’Ornon, proving his climbing prowess.
Kilometer 89: Mads Pedersen of Lidl-Trek outsprints other competitors during the intermediate sprint, claiming a crucial bonus of points.
Surprises and Setbacks
A notable development occurred for Visma Lease a Bike with the withdrawal of Edoardo Affini, leaving the team reeling with only two stages left in the race. His absence may affect their overall strategy as they strive for a podium finish.
Conclusively, Stage 19 is shaping up to be a defining moment in the Tour de France, particularly for Colombian cyclists, as they aim for significant victories against formidable competition. The combinations of strategy, stamina, and timely attacks will play out dramatically as the finish line nears. Stay tuned for more updates!