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Tour de France Stage 18 Brings First Alpine Summit Finish at Orcières-Merlette

Posted : 21 July 2026

Stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France marks the beginning of the decisive Alpine block as the peloton tackles a 185.2-kilometre route from Voiron to the summit of Orcières-Merlette on Thursday, July 23.

The mountain stage features nearly 3,950 metres of climbing and ends with a historic summit finish at the Orcières-Merlette ski resort. It is the first of three consecutive Alpine stages expected to determine the outcome of this year's Tour.

Riders will face several demanding ascents before reaching the final climb. The Côte d'Engins offers 11.4 kilometres at an average gradient of 5.4 percent, followed by the Monteynard climb, which stretches 9.7 kilometres at five percent. The stage concludes with the 7.1-kilometre ascent to Orcières-Merlette, averaging 6.7 percent and finishing at an altitude of 1,850 metres.

General classification contenders are expected to take centre stage as the race enters its toughest mountain sequence. Teams with strong climbing support will aim to protect their leaders while setting a demanding pace that could expose rivals before the final ascent.

The stage also presents an opportunity for a strong breakaway to challenge for victory. However, with the Alps now underway, the leading contenders are unlikely to allow dangerous rivals too much freedom if overall time gaps become a factor.

Tactical discipline will be vital throughout the day. Riders must balance the desire to gain time with the need to conserve energy for the remaining Alpine stages, including another demanding mountain test before the Tour reaches its traditional climax in the high mountains.

Recovery will play an equally important role during this phase of the race. Teams will focus on rapid refuelling, hydration and rest after each stage to ensure their riders remain competitive through three successive days of intense climbing.

By the end of Stage 18, the first significant gaps among the Tour's overall contenders could emerge. While the general classification battle may not be decided on Orcières-Merlette alone, the stage is expected to reveal which riders possess the strength and endurance needed to challenge for the yellow jersey in the final days of the race.

 

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