Time limits

A cut-off time is the maximum time allowed to reach a specific kilometre point on the course, as communicated by the event organisers before the race.

If a rider exceeds the allowed time limit, they are considered outside the time limit and officially withdrawn from the event. The organisers will then ask them to stop.

The locations chosen for the cut-off points are based on several criteria, including their position on the course, accessibility, and the available space.

For the 2026 Étape du Tour de France, participants have a maximum of 11 hours and 45 minutes to cross the finish line in Alpe d'Huez.

Cut-off times:

WITHDRAWAL & REPATRIATION INFORMATION

If you need to withdraw from the race or miss the time cut, several repatriation options are available depending on your location on the course.

Please note that repatriation is a complex operation and may take some time, as bikes must be loaded onto trucks and riders transported by coach.

You may also arrange your own return (ride back by bike, take the train, or be picked up by a friend or family member). In all cases, you must obey the Highway Code and, if you need to ride against the race direction, wait until the broom wagon has passed and the road has reopened.

Between Bourg d’Oisans and the summit of the Col de la Croix de Fer

You can:

• Ride back to Bourg d’Oisans (see Bourg d’Oisans → Alpe d’Huez shuttle) once the last riders have passed and the road has reopened, while respecting the Highway Code.
• Make your own way back after the broom wagon has passed and the road has reopened. As the road will be open to normal traffic, your safety is the priority and you must strictly obey traffic regulations.

Between the summit of the Col de la Croix de Fer and the summit of the Col du Télégraphe

You can:

• Head to the repatriation area in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne (km 80). Convoys will depart for Alpe d’Huez between 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm (approximately 2½ hours via Grenoble).
• Be picked up by a friend or family member in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (km 68.5). This town remains accessible to the public throughout the day without traffic restrictions.

Important: If you have already started climbing the Col du Télégraphe, you must wait until the broom wagon has passed before descending to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne or Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Between the summit of the Col du Télégraphe and the summit of the Col du Galibier

You can:

• Descend after the broom wagon has passed to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne (km 80) to be picked up or reach the repatriation area, where convoys will depart for Alpe d’Huez between 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm (approximately 2½ hours).
• Head to the repatriation area in Valloire (km 103), where convoys will depart for Alpe d’Huez between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm (approximately 2½ hours via the Col du Galibier).
• Continue over the summit of the Col du Galibier and descend to Bourg d’Oisans (see Bourg d’Oisans → Alpe d’Huez shuttle).

Between the summit of the Col du Galibier and the summit of the Col de Sarenne

You can:

• Ride to Bourg d’Oisans (see Bourg d’Oisans → Alpe d’Huez shuttle) via the Briançon road from Mizoën.

Important: If you have already started climbing the Col de Sarenne, you must wait until the broom wagon has passed before descending to Mizoën and then Bourg d’Oisans.

Bourg d’Oisans → Alpe d’Huez Shuttle

Shuttle buses operate from Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez between 2:00 pm and 9:30 pm (journey time: approximately 1 hour).

Shuttles depart from the Boulodrome at the following address:

Rue des Guides
38520 Le Bourg-d’Oisans

Important: To ensure fast boarding, bicycles are not carried on the shuttle buses.

Before boarding, you must leave your bike at the Boulodrome bike park. You can collect it the following day (Monday 20 July) between 6:30 am and 12:00 pm.