The essentials
Stage 20's record elevation and historic Col de Sarenne ascent define the Tour's penultimate mountain showdown.
Stage 20 on July 25 runs from Le Bourg-d'Oisans to Alpe-d'Huez, featuring record elevation gain of 5,450 meters that defines the Tour's penultimate mountain challenge. The stage marks a historic moment: Col de Sarenne will be climbed in ascending direction for the first time at Tour de France, adding a previously untested gradient to the race's mountain repertoire.
Col du Galibier at 2,642 meters stands as the 2026 Tour's highest point, positioned within the stage's demanding profile. The combination creates an unprecedented mountain test as the race approaches its conclusion.
Tadej Pogacar enters Stage 20 with a seven-minute lead, while Richard Carapaz holds the polka dot mountains jersey. Lenny Martinez has defended his riding tactics during the stage, addressing tactical questions that emerged as the final mountains approached. The race starts at 11:30 with finish expected at 16:15, marking the decisive moment where accumulated fatigue meets climbing prowess on terrain that has never been assembled in this configuration before.
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Record elevation and historic gradient combine for unprecedented mountain test
Stage 20 assembles climbing terrain at scale never before attempted: 5,450 meters elevation gain across Col du Galibier at 2,642 meters and the inaugural ascending climb of Col de Sarenne. The combination tests accumulated fatigue and climbing prowess simultaneously, creating a mountain stage where route design itself becomes a competitive factor distinct from individual rider capability.
Pogacar's seven-minute advantage faces ultimate mountain verdict
Pogacar enters with commanding seven-minute lead as Carapaz defends the mountains jersey and Martinez's tactics face scrutiny. The stage forces these contenders into direct confrontation on terrain that permits no tactical retreat, where the race's hierarchy will either solidify or shift decisively depending on Alpine performance during the penultimate day.