When is Alpe d’Huez today? Key times for Tour de France 2026 Stage 19
The Tour de France reaches one of cycling’s most famous climbs today, with Stage 19 taking the peloton from Gap to the summit of Alpe d’Huez.
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The stage is only 127.9 kilometres long but includes 3,500 metres of climbing. The riders will cross the Col Bayard, Col du Noyer and Col d’Ornon before tackling the 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez. The final climb is 13.7 kilometres long at an average gradient of 8.1 per cent.
It is the first of two consecutive summit finishes on Alpe d’Huez, with another and considerably harder mountain stage following on Saturday.
Tour de France Stage 19 times
| Key moment | Expected time CEST | Distance to finish |
|---|---|---|
Start in Gap | 14:00 | 127.9 km |
Col Bayard | 14:23 to 14:24 | 123.1 km |
Col du Noyer | 14:52 to 14:56 | 102.7 km |
Intermediate sprint in Le Périer | 16:19 to 16:30 | 38.5 km |
Col d’Ornon | 16:36 to 16:49 | 28.7 km |
Start of the Alpe d’Huez climb | 16:53 to 17:08 | 13.7 km |
Finish on Alpe d’Huez | 17:24 to 17:44 | 0 km |
When should you watch Tour de France Stage 19?
To watch the entire decisive part of the stage, tune in from around 16:30 CEST. The riders are expected to reach the Col d’Ornon between 16:36 and 16:49 before descending towards Le Bourg d’Oisans.
The climb to Alpe d’Huez should begin between 16:53 and 17:08. The stage winner is expected to cross the line between 17:24 and 17:44.
Those wanting to follow the battle for the breakaway should watch much earlier. The Col du Noyer, a 7.2 kilometre climb at 8.5 per cent, comes after only 25.2 kilometres and could make the opening hour extremely aggressive.
Why is Alpe d’Huez important today?
Alpe d’Huez is the final hors catégorie climb of Stage 19 and offers one of the most prestigious victories in professional cycling. Its 21 hairpin bends have produced some of the Tour de France’s most memorable mountain battles.
The relatively short distance could make the stage particularly explosive. There is little flat road before the first climbs, while the Col d’Ornon leads almost directly into the approach towards Alpe d’Huez.
Tadej Pogačar begins the stage with a lead of 4 minutes and 32 seconds over Remco Evenepoel. Isaac del Toro is third at 6 minutes and 51 seconds, with Paul Seixas only 20 seconds further behind. That leaves the podium positions and the white jersey battle open ahead of the two finishes on Alpe d’Huez.
How to watch the Alpe d'Huez Tour de France stage 18?
| Country or region | Broadcaster or streaming service | Price |
|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports, HBO Max | Paid |
United States | NBC Sports, Peacock | Paid |
Canada | FloBikes | Paid |
Australia | SBS, SBS On Demand | Free |
Italy | Rai, RaiPlay, Eurosport, HBO Max, Discovery+ | Free and paid |
Switzerland | SRG SSR | Free |
Belgium | RTBF, Sporza, VRT highlights | Free highlights |
Europe | Eurosport, HBO Max, Discovery+ | Paid |
Central America | ESPN | Paid |
Japan | J Sports | Paid |
China | Zhibo TV | Paid |
FAQ
What time does the Alpe d’Huez climb begin today?
The riders are expected to start the final climb between 16:53 and 17:08 CEST during Tour de France Stage 19.
What time is the finish on Alpe d’Huez?
The finish is expected between 17:24 and 17:44 CEST.
How long is Tour de France Stage 19?
Stage 19 is 127.9 kilometres long and runs from Gap to Alpe d’Huez.
How long is the Alpe d’Huez climb?
The climb is 13.7 kilometres long at an average gradient of 8.1 per cent.
Is the Tour de France finishing on Alpe d’Huez twice?
Yes. Stage 19 finishes on Alpe d’Huez via the traditional 21 bends. Stage 20 returns to Alpe d’Huez after a 170.9 kilometre stage with 5,450 metres of climbing and an approach via the Col de Sarenne.
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