Tour de France stage 18 tested the peloton to its absolute limits today, launching them into the heart of the Alps with three massive climbs and a dramatic summit finish at Col de la Loze. With just a handful of stages remaining, this legendary stage was always set to reshape the podium and decide the fate of the yellow jersey. Fans and riders alike knew the stakes could not have been higher as the action unfolded on this make-or-break day.
Colossal Climbing in the Alps
As the riders rolled out from Vif under bright alpine skies, anticipation was palpable. The 171.5km route promised 5,450 meters of vertical climbing, with the hardest ascents—Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, and the final assault on Col de la Loze—looming large.
Key Points Summary
- Stage 18 distance: 171.5km, Vif to Courchevel (Col de la Loze)
- Three hors catégorie (HC) climbs; 5,450m (17,880ft) of elevation gain
- Col de la Loze summit: 2,304 meters, Souvenir Henri Desgrange prize
- Major tension between Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard
- Winner: Cyril Barthe claimed a surprise solo victory
- Pogacar retains yellow jersey lead
The Stage Unfolds: Attacks, Breakaways, and Stakes
The early kilometers saw aggressive racing as climbers tried to make the day’s main breakaway. Trek’s Jonathan Milan capitalized on the first intermediate sprint, tightening his grip on the points jersey. As the peloton hit Col du Glandon, the relentless gradients immediately shattered weaker riders, leaving only the strongest to battle on.
The Glandon is infamous among riders. At 21.7km long and averaging 5.1%—with brutal ramps up to 10%—it set the tone for a day of suffering. The descent into La Chambre offered little respite before the next wall: Col de la Madeleine. This 19.2km monster averages 7.9%, pushing the peloton above 2,000 meters for the first time.
Stage Statistics Table
| Climb | Length | Avg. Gradient | Summit Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Col du Glandon | 21.7km | 5.1% | 1,924m |
| Col de la Madeleine | 19.2km | 7.9% | 2,000m |
| Col de la Loze | 26.4km | 6.5% | 2,304m |
Decisive Finish: Col de la Loze Delivers Fireworks
The approach to Courchevel and the mighty Col de la Loze injected crackling tension. The final climb, stretching 26.4km and topping out at 2,304 meters, is the highest point of this year’s Tour and renowned for its savage gradients—sections spike at 11% before easing, only to ramp again for a brutal finish.
Tadej Pogacar, who famously struggled on these slopes in 2023, rode with determination to put past demons behind him. Yet it was Cyril Barthe who scripted a surprise. Launching a well-timed attack from a select breakaway, Barthe defied expectations and crossed the summit line solo, arms aloft in exuberant disbelief.
Behind him, the general classification contenders battled in earnest. Pogacar, fiercely protected by UAE Team Emirates, responded gravelly to multiple attacks by Jonas Vingegaard and Thymen Arensman, ensuring his grip on the yellow jersey went unthreatened by the day’s end. The GC gap remains nearly unchanged, with Pogacar maintaining a lead of over four minutes as the race heads toward its closing stages.
Jerseys and Classification Updates
- Yellow Jersey: Tadej Pogacar holds a comfortable lead, staying resilient through the Alps.
- Green Jersey: Jonathan Milan extended his points advantage with a smart sprint early in the stage.
- Polka-dot Jersey: The relentless climbing saw fierce competition, with major points claimed on each summit.
- Stage Winner: Cyril Barthe’s daring performance earned him the stage’s top honors.
An Unforgiving Stage, a Reshaped Race
Tour de France stage 18 delivered everything fans dreamed of: drama, legendary climbs, surprise attacks, and a reshuffling of the pecking order for those fighting for the podium. As the peloton now braces for the penultimate mountain stage, all eyes turn to whether Pogacar can defend his advantage in Paris—or if challengers will rise for a final twist.
Feel free to share your thoughts on today’s Alpine epic in the comments—did the Queen Stage live up to your expectations? Who do you think will take the top step in Paris?