Tour de France 2026 stage 18 progresses toward Orcières-Merlette finish
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 10:02 AM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
Stage 18 of the Tour de France began at 12:35 PM CEST from Voiron, featuring a challenging route over the Cols Bayard and du Noyer before concluding at Orcières-Merlette. This stage is noted as one of the most prestigious mountain finishes of the Tour, with significant climbs expected. Competitors, including Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, are anticipated to engage their teams strategically as they navigate 21 hairpin turns leading to the summit. The stage is currently ongoing, with potential for an escape group to establish itself early in the race.
- •Stage 18 departs from Voiron at 12:35 PM CEST.
- •Route includes tough climbs over Cols Bayard and du Noyer.
- •Pogačar and Vingegaard likely to engage their teams strategically.
- •21 hairpins lead to a critical summit finish.
- •Stage remains in progress with potential for breakaways.
- 10:02 AMThe Guardian Sport — Tour de France 2026: stage 18 heads for summit finish at Orcières-Merlette – live
"Stage leaves from Voiron at 12.35pm CEST/1.35pm BST Anti-doping chiefs reject Seixas favouritism | Mail Tom This Tour’s most prestigious mountain stage finish; with a stage this short, it will be touch and go for the day’s escape to make it to the finish. That said, the opening 25km over the Cols Bayard and du Noyer are tough enough to allow a decent move to get established and then there are 60km until the Col d’Ornon, where Pogacar and Vingegaard will probably get their teams moving. If the big two give a move some leeway, the 21 hairpins to the finish will suit a pure climber such as Netcompany’s Thymen Arensman, a double stage winner last year. Continue reading...
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