Few climbs capture the spirit of the Tour de France quite like Alpe d’Huez. With its 21 iconic hairpin bends, each named after a past stage winner, the mountain has become a symbol of the drama, passion, and glory of the Tour de France. Since 1952, when Fausto Coppi claimed a legendary solo victory, the Tour has finished here 32 times, writing some of its most unforgettable chapters from Bernard Hinault and Thibaut Pinot to the epic duels between Greg LeMond, Laurent Figno, and Marco Pantani.
In 2026, Alpe d’Huez is set to relive its finest hours. Stage 19 will take riders up the classic route and its famous switchbacks, while Stage 20 will bring a brand-new challenge: an ascent via the Col de Sarenne, wilder and more remote. This rare double appearance promises an unforgettable finale on the most legendary slopes of the Tour.
Just beyond those famous bends, the Col de Sarenne reveals another side of the Alps: narrow, untouched and untamed. In 2026, it will test both the professionals of the Tour and the 16,000 amateur riders of L’Étape du Tour de France, just days earlier. 12.8 kilometers at 7.3% average gradient: a true moment of truth on one of the Alps’ most authentic climbs.
Taking part in L’Étape du Tour de France 2026 means living a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the most legendary roads of the Grande Boucle: col de la Croix de Fer, col du Télégraphe and col du Galibier, before discovering the untamed beauty of the Col de Sarenne and the electric atmosphere of Alpe d’Huez.
Public registration opens on November 3rd at 2 p.m. (French hour). Don’t miss this chance to ride into legend!
