Stage 19 offers one last brutal day in the high mountains, a short and savage 95km route from Albertville to La Plagne that packs a punch with two hors catégorie climbs and nearly 3,600 metres of elevation. Originally planned to cover 129.9km with five categorised ascents, the stage was shortened on Thursday evening after a cattle disease outbreak forced organisers to remove the opening climbs, including the Col des Saisies.
It may be reduced in distance, but not in difficulty. With only three days left in the race, this explosive Alpine finale still provides a key platform for late attacks, podium reshuffles, or a final show of dominance from the yellow jersey.
The route – two massive climbs and nowhere to hide
The day starts with a ceremonial roll-out in Albertville before the flag drops on the D925. The Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine and Col des Saisies were removed from the parcours due to biosecurity concerns, meaning the racing begins more abruptly. The Col du Pré (12.6km at 7.7%) is the first climb on the revised route, and it’s a bruiser – steep, scenic, and unforgiving. It leads directly into the Cormet de Roselend (5.9km at 6.3%), where some riders may already be feeling the pinch.
A long descent into Bourg-Saint-Maurice gives way to the final showdown on La Plagne. At 19.1km with an average gradient of 7.2%, the last summit finish of the Tour will be a war of attrition. With thin air above 2,000m and tired legs from three weeks of racing, there’s no easy way up. The strongest climbers will emerge here.
What’s on offer
Date: Friday, 25th July
Distance: 95km (originally 129.9km)
Start/Finish: Albertville – La Plagne
Climbs:
Col du Pré (HC, km 66)
Cormet de Roselend (cat. 2, km 78.5)
La Plagne (HC, km 95)
Prediction
Tadej Pogačar looks set to wrap up his fourth Tour title, but stage wins still matter. After sealing the queen stage on the Col de la Loze, he may go again here to stamp his authority one last time in the high mountains. However, the shorter distance and lack of early climbs could open the door for a strong breakaway. If Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe try something bold with Primož Roglič or Florian Lipowitz, they could turn this into a GC shootout. Even so, our money is on Pogačar – a final mountain flourish before Paris.
