Stage 18 Quick Facts

Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025 | Distance: 171.5 km | Type: Queen Mountain Stage | Start: 12:10 CEST

Stage 18 is the Queen Stage of the 2025 Tour de France. From Vif to the summit of Col de la Loze, riders face 5,450m of climbing - the most in any stage. Three consecutive Hors Catégorie climbs including Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, and the new approach to Col de la Loze from Courchevel. This stage will decide the Tour de France!

Stage 18 Elevation Profile - The Queen Stage

Tour de France 2025 Stage 18 elevation profile showing 171.5km Queen Stage with three HC climbs to Col de la Loze

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Queen Stage Statistics

Total Climbing: 5,450m
Most in Tour 2025
HC Climbs: 3
All Beyond Category
Highest Point: 2,304m
Col de la Loze summit
Profile Score: 414
Hardest in Tour

Power Requirements - The Ultimate Test

  • Col du Glandon: 6.0-6.5 W/kg for 35-40 minutes
  • Col de la Madeleine: 6.5-7.0 W/kg for 30-35 minutes
  • Col de la Loze: 6.8-7.5 W/kg for 40-45 minutes
  • Total Climbing Time: 2hr 30min - 2hr 45min at threshold
  • Altitude Effect: 10-15% power loss at summit
  • Energy Expenditure: 6,000-7,000 calories total
Stage 18 Kilometer Breakdown

0-30km: Gradual rise from Vif, breakaway formation

30-40km: Through Allemont before Glandon begins

40.6-62.3km: Col du Glandon (21.7km at 5.1%)

62.3-82km: Technical descent to La Chambre

85-104.6km: Col de la Madeleine (19.2km at 7.9%)

104.6-145km: Long descent to Brides-les-Bains

145.1-171.5km: Col de la Loze (26.4km at 6.5%)

Calculate your climbing time with our climbing calculator and power profiling test.

Why This is the Queen Stage

Distance: 171.5km of pure Alpine warfare

Climbing: 5,450m - equivalent to Everest base camp

No Recovery: Three HC climbs in succession

Altitude: Finish at 2,304m causes severe hypoxia

History: Where Tours are won and lost

Weather: Exposed summit, potential storms

Stage 18 Route Map - Alpine Triple Crown

Tour de France 2025 Stage 18 route map showing triple HC climbs from Vif to Col de la Loze

Source: Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO)

Route Highlights

  • Start: Vif at 12:10 CEST - South of Grenoble
  • Through Isère: Industrial valleys to mountains
  • Allemond: Gateway to Col du Glandon
  • Lac de Grand-Maison: Reservoir at Glandon
  • La Chambre: Brief valley before Madeleine
  • Brides-les-Bains: Base of final ascent
  • Courchevel: Ski resort on way to summit
  • Finish: Col de la Loze summit at 2,304m

Terrain Characteristics

  • Road Surface: Good quality, recently resurfaced climbs
  • Technical Descents: Glandon and Madeleine require skill
  • Wind Exposure: Minimal until Col de la Loze summit
  • Crowd Density: Massive on all three climbs
  • Feed Zones: Limited due to continuous climbing
  • Team Car Access: Restricted on narrow climb sections

Alpine Setting

Mountain Ranges: Belledonne, Vanoise, and Tarentaise

Ski Resorts: Passing Les 3 Vallées domain

Natural Beauty: Pristine Alpine lakes and glaciers

Wildlife: Marmots, ibex, golden eagles territory

Climate Zone: Alpine tundra at summit

Triple Hors Catégorie Analysis

Col du Glandon - HC (Climb 1 of 3)

HC

Length: 21.7 km | Average Gradient: 5.1% | Elevation Gain: 1,104m

Summit: 1,924m | Max Gradient: 10% | Position: 40.6-62.3km

Character: Long grind with steep sections, via Défilé de Maupas

Strategic Role: Early selection, breakaway establishment

Power Required: 6.0-6.5 W/kg for GC riders

Col de la Madeleine - HC (Climb 2 of 3)

HC

Length: 19.2 km | Average Gradient: 7.9% | Elevation Gain: 1,520m

Summit: 2,000m | Max Gradient: 12% | Position: 85-104.6km

Character: Steeper than Glandon, relentless gradient

Fatigue Factor: Second HC climb causes major damage

Power Required: 6.5-7.0 W/kg sustained

Col de la Loze - HC (The Decider)

HC

Length: 26.4 km | Average Gradient: 6.5% | Elevation Gain: 1,710m

Summit: 2,304m | Max Gradient: 11% | Final 5km: Brutal

New Route: First time from Courchevel side

GC Impact: Where the Tour is won or lost

Power Required: 6.8-7.5 W/kg for victory

Cumulative Climbing Effect

Metric Glandon Madeleine La Loze Total
Distance 21.7km 19.2km 26.4km 67.3km
Climbing Time 35-40min 30-35min 40-45min 105-120min
Energy (kJ) 1,200 1,100 1,500 3,800
Power Loss 0% 5-8% 10-15% Progressive

Physiological Breakdown

  • Glycogen Depletion: Critical by Madeleine summit
  • Lactate Accumulation: Clearance impaired at altitude
  • Oxygen Deficit: 15% less O2 at La Loze summit
  • Thermoregulation: Overheating risk despite altitude
  • Neuromuscular Fatigue: Affects power production
  • Mental Exhaustion: Decision-making impaired

Col de la Loze - The Tour Decider

Col de la Loze by the Numbers

26.4km - Longest final climb in Tour history

2,304m - Highest summit finish of 2025

6.5% - Average gradient (deceptive)

11% - Maximum gradient in final 5km

NEW - First ascent from Courchevel side

Climb Breakdown - Courchevel Approach

0-10km: Moûtiers to Brides

Gradual start
4-5% average
Warm-up phase
Save energy here

10-16km: To Courchevel

Gradient increases
6-7% sustained
Through ski resort
Crowds thicken

16-21km: The Ramps

8-10% gradient
Altitude effects
Selection made
Attacks expected

21-26.4km: Summit Hell

Up to 11%
2,200m+ altitude
Decisive moves
No recovery

Historical Significance

2020 - Tour Debut

Miguel Ángel López won from breakaway. Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar battled for yellow, separated by seconds.

2023 - "I'm Gone. I'm Dead."

Jonas Vingegaard dropped Tadej Pogačar decisively. The Slovenian cracked completely, losing 5:45 and effectively the Tour. His famous radio message became cycling legend.

2025 - New Challenge

First time climbing from Courchevel side. Longer but theoretically "easier" - until the final 5km of pure suffering.

Why La Loze is Special

  • Altitude: Highest road in Tour at 2,304m
  • Length: 26.4km of relentless climbing
  • Position: Third HC climb = maximum fatigue
  • Exposure: Summit section fully exposed
  • History: Only included 3 times, always decisive
  • Psychology: Where champions are made

Power Analysis - What It Takes

Rider Type W/kg Required Est. Time VAM
Tour Winner 7.0-7.5 40-42 min 1,700m/hr
GC Contender 6.5-7.0 43-45 min 1,600m/hr
Top 10 Rider 6.0-6.5 46-50 min 1,500m/hr
Survival Mode 5.5-6.0 52-60 min 1,400m/hr

Stage 18 Winner Predictions - Tour Decider

GC Battle Prediction Model

Based on current form, altitude performance, and triple HC climb analysis:

Pogačar 38%
Vingegaard 35%
Evenepoel 10%
Almeida 7%
Rodriguez 5%
Others 5%

Top Contenders Analysis

Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) - 38%
  • Motivation: Revenge for 2023 collapse on La Loze
  • Triple HC Power: 7.0-7.5 W/kg capability proven
  • Altitude Record: Strong at 2,000m+ (won at Plateau de Beille)
  • Team Support: Almeida and Yates for pacing
  • Risk: History of cracking on longest stages
  • Why He Wins: Peak form + psychological edge if leading
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) - 35%
  • La Loze History: Destroyed Pogačar here in 2023
  • Endurance: Excels on 40+ minute climbs
  • Triple HC Specialist: Superior fatigue resistance
  • Team Tactics: Can use Kuss, Jorgenson early
  • Confidence: Psychological advantage on this climb
  • Why He Wins: Proven ability on Tour's hardest stages
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick-Step) - 10%
  • Challenge: Never faced triple HC at altitude
  • Power: 6.5-6.8 W/kg sustainable
  • Weakness: Struggles on 40+ minute efforts
  • Goal: Limit losses, defend podium
  • Why He Podiums: Consistency over three weeks
Dark Horses - 17% Combined
  • João Almeida: If Pogačar cracks, inherits leadership
  • Carlos Rodriguez: 2023 survivor, knows the climbs
  • Felix Gall: Won here in 2023 from break
  • Enric Mas: Pure climber, altitude specialist

Stage Scenarios

Early Attack (20%)

Move on Glandon
Force rivals to chase
Tire domestiques
High risk strategy

Madeleine Move (30%)

Attack on steeper climb
Test opponents
Create time gaps
Set up La Loze

La Loze Showdown (40%)

Save energy
Attack final 10km
Use altitude advantage
Most likely scenario

Survival Mode (10%)

Bad day/crash
Limit time losses
Team protection
Damage control

Time Gap Predictions

  • If Normal Day: 30-60 seconds between top 2
  • If Someone Cracks: 3-5 minutes possible (like 2023)
  • To Third Place: 1-2 minutes expected
  • Breakaway Chance: <5% due to GC importance
  • Time Cut Risk: Sprinters face elimination

GC Impact After Stage 18

Position Current Gap Predicted Change Post-Stage Gap
1st 0:00 +0:00 0:00
2nd ~1:00 +0:30 to +3:00 1:30 to 4:00
3rd ~3:00 +1:00 to +2:00 4:00 to 5:00
4th-10th ~5:00+ +2:00 to +5:00 7:00 to 10:00

Stage 18 GC Battle Tactics

Why Stage 18 Decides Everything

  • Cumulative Fatigue: 17 stages of accumulated damage
  • No Recovery: Triple HC with minimal valley time
  • Altitude Factor: 2,304m finish separates men from boys
  • Distance: 171.5km prevents hiding in peloton
  • Mental Warfare: La Loze memories haunt riders
  • Final Mountain: Last chance before easier Stage 19

Team-by-Team Strategy

UAE Team Emirates

Plan A: Control with Almeida
Plan B: Yates attacks early
Key: Keep Pogačar fresh
Risk: 2023 memories

Visma-Lease a Bike

Weapon: Team depth
Tactic: Multiple attacks
Ace: Vingegaard's endurance
Goal: Repeat 2023

Soudal-Quick-Step

Reality: Survival mode
Hope: Others crack
Tactic: Follow only
Aim: Limit losses

Other GC Teams

INEOS: Rodriguez for podium
BORA: Stage hunt only
Bahrain: Support role
Opportunity: If top 2 battle

Critical Race Phases

Phase 1: Col du Glandon (km 40-62)
  • Breakaway: Must be controlled, no GC threats
  • Pace: Steady tempo by UAE or Visma
  • Selection: 30-40 riders remain together
  • Energy Conservation: Critical for leaders
Phase 2: Col de la Madeleine (km 85-105)
  • Acceleration: Pace increases significantly
  • First Tests: Exploratory attacks possible
  • Domestiques: Start to be dropped
  • GC Group: Down to 15-20 riders
Phase 3: Valley Run (km 105-145)
  • Recovery: Brief respite, refueling critical
  • Regrouping: Teams reorganize
  • Positioning: Fight for front before La Loze
  • Mental Prep: Focus on final climb
Phase 4: Col de la Loze (km 145-171.5)
  • 0-10km: High tempo, sizing up opponents
  • 10-16km: First serious accelerations
  • 16-21km: Major attacks, selection to 5-8 riders
  • 21-26.4km: Final battle, no prisoners taken

Altitude & Heat Management

The Invisible Enemy
  • Power Loss: 1% per 300m altitude above 1,500m
  • Breathing Rate: Increases 20-30% at summit
  • Heart Rate: 5-10 bpm higher for same power
  • Dehydration: Accelerated at altitude
  • Temperature: Can vary 20°C base to summit
  • UV Exposure: Extreme above treeline

Historical Precedents

Year Winner Key Moment Time Gap
2020 M.A. López Breakaway win 15 sec
2023 F. Gall Pogačar cracks 5:45 lost!
2025 ? New route challenge ?

Fantasy Cycling Strategy

Stage 18 Fantasy Approach
  • Must Have: Pogačar or Vingegaard (captain)
  • Value Pick: João Almeida as insurance
  • Avoid: Anyone outside top 15 GC
  • Dark Horse: Carlos Rodriguez knows these climbs
  • Team Strategy: Go all-in on GC riders

Points Potential: Highest of any mountain stage

Queen Stage Sports Science Analysis

Extreme Physiological Demands

  • VO2 Max Requirements: 80-90 ml/kg/min for GC pace
  • Lactate Threshold: 90-95% for 3+ hours
  • Altitude VO2 Impact: -15% at Col de la Loze summit
  • Total Work: 4,500-5,000 kilojoules
  • Glycogen Depletion: Complete by La Loze
  • Core Temperature: Can exceed 40°C despite altitude

The Triple HC Challenge

  • Power Degradation: 5% per major climb
  • Muscle Damage: Eccentric stress on descents
  • Cognitive Function: Impaired decision-making
  • Hormone Response: Cortisol spike affects recovery
  • Immune Suppression: 72-hour vulnerability window
  • Sleep Quality: Altitude affects recovery

Understand extreme endurance with our altitude physiology guide and lactate testing protocols.

Fueling the Queen Stage

Pre-Stage Loading (Night Before)

  • Carbohydrate: 10-12g/kg body weight
  • Hydration: 40ml/kg + electrolytes
  • Breakfast: 3-4 hours before, 150g+ carbs
  • Pre-Start: 500ml isotonic drink
  • Caffeine: 3-6mg/kg in divided doses

During Stage Protocol

  • Hourly Target: 90-120g carbohydrates
  • Fluid Needs: 1-1.2L per hour
  • Sodium: 1000-1500mg per hour
  • On Climbs: Gels + liquid carbs only
  • Altitude Adjustment: +20% carb intake
  • Emergency Reserve: 3-4 gels for La Loze

Training for Triple HC Days

Specific Queen Stage Preparation

  • Volume Days: 5-7 hour rides at altitude
  • Triple Climb Sets: 3x40min at threshold
  • Altitude Camps: 3 weeks at 2,000m+
  • Heat Adaptation: Sauna protocols
  • Glycogen Depletion Rides: Train energy systems
  • Mental Training: Suffering tolerance

Key Workout: La Loze Simulation

  • Warm-up: 60min progressive
  • Main Set: 3x40min climbs
  • Intensity: 85%, 90%, 95% FTP
  • Recovery: 15min between
  • Total Time: 5-6 hours
  • Elevation: 3,000m+

Build your engine with our Grand Tour preparation program.

Stage 18 Verdict: Where Champions Are Crowned

Why This Stage Defines Cycling

Stage 18 isn't just the Queen Stage of the 2025 Tour de France - it's one of the hardest days ever designed in professional cycling. The combination of distance (171.5km), elevation (5,450m), and altitude (2,304m finish) creates a perfect storm that will reveal the true champion.

The psychological weight of Col de la Loze cannot be understated. This is where Pogačar cracked dramatically in 2023, losing nearly six minutes to Vingegaard. The new approach from Courchevel adds uncertainty - no one has raced this side in the Tour. The gradient profile suggests it's "easier," but after two HC climbs, nothing is easy.

Keys to Victory

  • 7.0+ W/kg - Required for 40+ minutes on La Loze
  • 5,450m - Most climbing in any 2025 stage
  • 2,304m - Highest point causes severe hypoxia
  • 26.4km - Longest final climb in Tour
  • Triple HC - No recovery between monsters
  • History - Where Tours are won and lost

The Bottom Line

Watch for early pace-setting on Glandon, acceleration on the steeper Madeleine, and the decisive battle on La Loze's final 10km. If the race is close, expect fireworks from 20km out. If someone has a bad day, we could see another collapse like 2023. Either way, the rider in yellow after Stage 18 will almost certainly win in Paris. This is cycling at its absolute limit - miss it at your peril!

Other Mountain Stages

Compare this Queen Stage with other decisive mountain tests:

Queen Stage History: Only 5 stages in Tour history harder than this!

What Makes Stage 18 Unique

  • Elevation Gain: 5,450m most in 2025 Tour
  • Triple HC: Three beyond category climbs
  • Altitude: Finish at 2,304m highest of Tour
  • Distance: 26.4km final climb longest ever
  • Position: Stage 18 perfect for GC drama
  • History: La Loze always produces fireworks