All-out brutality: stage 18 hits hard!
On July 23, 2025, Tour de France riders will face the most demanding stage of the route: 171.5 km between Vif, Isère, and the finish judged atop the Col de la Loze (2304 m), above Courchevel.
A monster of a stage, with 5450 metres of positive ascent, the highest total of this edition. Suffice to say, the legs will do the talking... and the gaps too.
Before reaching this extraordinary finale, it will be necessary to tame two other Route des Grandes Alpes ® giants: the Col du Glandon (1924 m), dreaded for its severe ramps, then the long, steady... and wearing Col de la Madeleine (2000 m). Two sublime, merciless Alpine classics.
But it's on the final ascent to the Col de la Loze that the stage can explode. An irregular, sometimes disconcerting climb, with sharp breaks in gradient, short passages at over 20% and a final aerial ramp. There's no cheating here! We climb with courage.
This summit finish, at an altitude of over 2300 m, could tip the overall classification. Or consecrate a heroic climber. One thing's for sure: the mountains will decide.
Eager to find out more about these mythical passes?
Find them on :
