NBC Sports analysts Tejay van Garderen and Brent Bookwalter previewed the upcoming back-to-back Alpe d'Huez stages of the 2026 Tour de France.
These stages represent the critical final tests for the overall leader, as the race enters its most grueling mountain terrain in the French Alps. The outcome of these climbs could determine whether Tadej Pogačar secures a historic victory.
The 2026 Tour de France runs from July 4 to July 26 [1] and consists of 21 stages [2]. The route features the famous ski-resort mountain Alpe d'Huez during stages 19 and 20 [3]. This rare back-to-back appearance of the mountain provides a unique challenge for the peloton and the race leader.
Van Garderen and Bookwalter focused their analysis on which of the two Alpe d'Huez stages offers the best opportunity for Pogačar to claim a stage win. The leader is currently aiming for a record-equalling fifth Tour win [4].
Alpe d'Huez is widely regarded as one of the crowning jewels of the race due to its steep gradients, and massive crowds. Because the mountain is featured twice in succession, the physical toll on the riders will be significant, increasing the likelihood of tactical shifts and late-race collapses.
The analysts discussed the specific profiles of stages 19 and 20 to determine where Pogačar's climbing strengths are most likely to prevail. While the overall lead is the primary goal, winning a stage on such a legendary climb would cement the prestige of the victory.
“Alpe d'Huez is widely regarded as one of the crowning jewels of the race”
The inclusion of Alpe d'Huez in two consecutive stages is an unusual routing decision that maximizes athlete fatigue. For Pogačar, these stages are not just about maintaining a lead but about achieving a record-equalling fifth title, meaning any tactical error on these specific climbs could jeopardize his historical standing in the sport.
