The Tour de France 2025 is entering its most critical phase, with the spotlight on Stage 18—a punishing high-altitude battle from Vif to Courchevel Col de la Loze. This queen stage, featuring the toughest climbs of this year’s edition, is set to decide the fate of the yellow jersey and potentially crown the next champion. Riders, fans, and teams alike are bracing for the drama that will unfold on July 24, as three monstrous ascents await the peloton.
Stage 18 Overview: A True Alpine Beast
The Tour de France 2025’s queen stage covers a daunting 171.5 kilometers, making it one of the most grueling Alpine routes in recent history. Riders will tackle three Hors catégorie climbs in succession:
- Col du Glandon – A long, grinding climb with irregular gradients and tough corners.
- Col de la Madeleine – Steep, exposed, and relentless. Often a turning point in Alpine stages.
- Col de la Loze – The summit finish at 2,304 meters, combining narrow passages, gradients exceeding 10%, and spectacular scenery.
This stage is not just about climbing—it’s about timing, endurance, and mental strength. The placement of the final climb after nearly 150 km of racing makes it a battlefield for the yellow jersey contenders.
Key GC Contenders: All Eyes on the Front
Tadej Pogačar – The Man to Beat
Leading the general classification going into Stage 18, Pogačar is in dominant form. His explosive attacks on summit finishes and ability to recover quickly make him the favorite. He’s already secured stage wins earlier in the Tour and will be aiming to cement his position atop the standings.
Jonas Vingegaard – Not Giving Up
Trailing behind Pogačar, Vingegaard remains his fiercest rival. The Danish rider excels in long, steady climbs and has a history of turning Alpine stages to his advantage. His team has been strong in support, and Stage 18 could be his opportunity to flip the script.
Remco Evenepoel – The Dark Horse
The Belgian dynamo has quietly maintained his place among the top three. Though he lacks some high-mountain experience, his time trial strength and tactical acumen make him a serious threat if the two leaders mark each other too closely.
What Makes This Stage So Crucial?
This is more than a mountain stage—it’s the last real opportunity for major time gains before the final time trial and Paris sprint. Expect to see:
- Breakaways forming early, but possibly reeled in as the major climbs begin.
- Teams setting pace aggressively on Col du Glandon and Col de la Madeleine to soften up the competition.
- GC fireworks on Col de la Loze, especially in the final five kilometers where gradients become savage.
Bonus seconds (10, 6, and 4 for the first three over the line) could be decisive in a Tour this close. For riders like Vingegaard and Evenepoel, even small gains could change the outcome of the entire race.
Key Developments Leading into Stage 18
- Pogačar is riding in yellow, with a comfortable but not insurmountable lead of just over six minutes.
- Vingegaard has steadily recovered from early Tour setbacks and is gaining time.
- Evenepoel is holding third, close enough to strike if his rivals falter.
- Several climbers and super domestiques are expected to be unleashed to support team leaders or chase stage glory.
Summary Table: Stage 18 Essentials
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stage Date | July 24, 2025 |
| Start – Finish | Vif to Courchevel Col de la Loze |
| Total Distance | 171.5 km |
| Number of Climbs | 3 (All Hors catégorie) |
| Highest Elevation | 2,304 meters (Col de la Loze) |
| Stage Type | Queen stage – summit finish |
| Bonus Seconds | 10 / 6 / 4 for Top 3 finishers |
What to Expect: Fan Guide to the Action
If you’re watching at home or planning to catch the stage live:
- Tune in early: Breakaways could include surprise names.
- Watch the Madeleine descent: It may prove decisive if attacks are launched before Loze.
- Last 5 km: Expect the leaders to battle it out with no holding back.
Pacing, hydration, and energy conservation are critical. Even the strongest climber can crack if they go too hard too soon. This stage will reward the smartest rider—not just the strongest.
Tour de France 2025 – The Bigger Picture
This year’s edition has been more unpredictable than usual. With multiple summit finishes and two individual time trials, the overall winner will need to be a complete rider—equally capable in the mountains, against the clock, and tactically sound.
Stage 18 is where dreams can be realized—or destroyed. It’s the kind of day that defines careers and writes history.
Final Prediction: Who Will Conquer the Queen Stage?
While Pogačar appears unbeatable right now, Vingegaard’s resilience and Evenepoel’s opportunism could upset the script. The deciding factor may be team support—especially on the early climbs. A surprise winner from a breakaway is possible, but the GC fight will likely dominate headlines.
This is the stage where fans will be holding their breath and riders will be pushing beyond their limits.
Don’t miss a moment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to cycling, Tour de France 2025 Stage 18 will deliver unforgettable moments at over 2,300 meters above sea level.
Follow every attack, every descent, and every gasp of effort as the greatest riders in the world battle for the most prestigious jersey in cycling.