The Tour de France is concluding with an intense Alpine trilogy, featuring two consecutive summit finishes on the legendary Alpe d'Huez. This marks the first time in four years the Tour has returned to Alpe d'Huez, with organizers scheduling challenging back-to-back stages, each with unique approaches to the climb. The 19th stage on Friday involves a 127.9-kilometer ride from Gap to the summit via the traditional 21 hairpin bends.
Saturday's 20th stage is even more grueling, a 170.9-kilometer route from Bourg-d'Oisans with 5,450 meters of climbing. It includes the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, and an unprecedented approach to Alpe d'Huez via the Col de Sarenne. Tadej Pogacar, a four-time Tour winner, is expected to seek his first victory on Alpe d'Huez as he aims to secure his fifth yellow jersey, with many seeing this as his coronation.
Organizers anticipate over half a million spectators on Alpe d'Huez, creating a "madhouse" atmosphere. Due to the overwhelming fan presence, authorities closed vehicle access to Alpe d'Huez from Thursday until Sunday night, highlighting the scale of the expected crowds. Despite the 13.8-kilometer climb's average gradient of 8.1 percent not being exceptionally difficult, its rich history and the passionate crowds make it iconic. Marco Pantani currently holds the record for the fastest ascent at 36 minutes and 50 seconds from 1995.
