Stage 18 of the Tour de France will run 185.2 kilometers from Voiron to Orcières-Merlette, featuring 3,900 meters of positive elevation gain and a first-category summit finish. The stage begins at 12:50 local time and is expected to conclude between 17:12 and 17:40 local time.
Route Profile and Key Climbs for Stage 18
The course is characterized by a steady increase in altitude, starting near sea level and finishing close to 2,000 meters. The first 20 kilometers are flat, which typically invites aggressive attempts to establish a breakaway before the terrain turns upward.
The first major obstacle is the Côte d’Engins, a first-category climb spanning 11.4 kilometers with an average gradient of 5.4%. After reaching an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters, the peloton will descend before entering a 100-kilometer sequence of categorized climbs. These include:
- Côte de Monteyard: 9.7 kilometers at 5%
- Côte des Terrasses: 3.4 kilometers at 6.6%
- Côte de Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes: 2.5 kilometers at 6.9% (third category)
The stage concludes with the ascent to Orcières-Merlette, a 7.1-kilometer climb at an average gradient of 6.7%. This final ascent is where the battle for the stage victory will be decided.
General Classification and Points Competition Stakes
As the first of three mountain stages before the finish in Paris, Stage 18 serves as a critical juncture for the general classification.
The intermediate sprint is positioned far from the start, providing a strategic opportunity for Mads Pedersen to consolidate his lead in the points classification and secure the green jersey.
Broadcasting Schedule and How to Watch
Viewers can follow the action through several official channels depending on their region. In Spain, the stage is broadcast via RTVE on Teledeporte and La1/La2, with streaming available on RTVE Play. EITB also provides television coverage.
For a global audience, Eurosport broadcasts all stages live across its television channels and the Max streaming platform.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 185.2 km |
| Elevation Gain | ~3,900 meters |
| Departure | Voiron (12:50 local) |
| Arrival | Orcières-Merlette (17:12 – 17:40 local) |
The race now moves into the decisive mountain trilogy that will determine the general classification of the 113th edition of the Tour de France.
Who do you think will break away to take the win in Orcières-Merlette? Let us know in the comments.
