The queen stage and the route of the 2026 Étape du Tour. Croix de Fer, Télégraphe and the Galibier — the Tour's highest point at 2,642m — before a second straight finish on Alpe d'Huez. Around 5,600m of climbing. This is where the Tour is won.
KEY CLIMBS
Col de la Croix de Fer
24 km · 5.2% avg · 2,067 m summit
Col du Télégraphe
11.9 km · 7.1% avg · 1,566 m summit
Col du Galibier
17.7 km · 6.8% avg · 2,642 m summit
Col de Sarenne
12.8 km · 7.3% avg
Alpe d'Huez
13.8 km · 8.1% avg · 1,860 m summit
THE TACTICAL READ
WHO IT SUITS
The strongest stage-racer in the field. Croix de Fer, Télégraphe, the Galibier at 2,642m and a final haul up Alpe d'Huez — 5,600m of climbing leaves nowhere to fake it.
WHAT TO WATCH
A long-range move on the Croix de Fer or Galibier. With the Tour on the line and the Étape crowd watching, this is the day a champion commits everything from distance.
ROADMAN PREDICTION
The Tour is won here. Whoever holds the yellow jersey over the Galibier and up the Alpe wins the race; the rider with the deepest reserves after three weeks takes the most important stage of all.
TRAIN FOR IT
The Roadman content that builds what Stage 20 asks for.