The Tour de France 2026 nears its conclusion with a critical mountain stage. Tadej Pogacar aims for a fifth title as riders tackle five major climbs. Spanish fans can follow the action live on RTVE Play.
The Tour de France 2026 enters its most demanding phase this Saturday, as the peloton confronts the queen stage between Le Bourg d'Oisans and Alpe d'Huez. With just one day left before the finish in Paris, the 170.9-kilometre route is set to determine the final standings. Five high-category climbs, including the legendary Col du Galibier and the newly introduced Col de Sarenne, will test the endurance and tactics of every contender. Tadej Pogacar, who secured a solo victory on Alpe d'Huez in the previous stage, now faces his last major challenge in pursuit of a fifth Tour title and a second consecutive win atop this iconic summit.
The stage begins in Le Bourg d'Oisans, sending riders on a punishing loop through the Isère, Savoie, and Hautes-Alpes departments. Early on, the ascent of the Croix de Fer is expected to thin the group of favourites. After a sprint in Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis, the peloton tackles the Col du Telégraphe, a 12-kilometre climb averaging 7.1%, immediately followed by the Col du Galibier, stretching nearly 12 kilometres at a 6.9% gradient. With 60 kilometres remaining, two more formidable climbs await, culminating in the ascent of the Col de Sarenne—making its Tour debut with 12.8 kilometres at 7.3%—before the final push to Alpe d'Huez.
Spanish cycling fans can watch the entire stage live and free on RTVE Play, with coverage starting at 12:45 (Spanish peninsular time) on Teledeporte and continuing from 15:50 on La1. Commentary will be provided by Carlos de Andrés and Pedro Delgado, familiar voices for viewers of TVE's cycling broadcasts. Updates, interviews, and behind-the-scenes reports will be available across Teledeporte's social media channels, while RTVE.es/Deportes will offer stage summaries and the latest news. Special attention is being given to Spanish riders and teams, with on-the-ground coverage from correspondent Josué Elena.
Pogacar's dominance on Alpe d'Huez has already been highlighted in recent coverage, as he claimed his fifth stage win of the 2026 Tour in a commanding performance. For more on his previous triumph and its impact on the general classification, see this detailed analysis: Pogacar's solo victory on Alpe d'Huez shakes up the Tour standings.
The Alpe d'Huez climb is one of the most storied in cycling, often serving as a decisive battleground in the Tour de France. Its 21 hairpin bends and steep gradients have produced legendary moments and dramatic shifts in the race's outcome. The inclusion of the Col de Sarenne this year adds a new layer of difficulty, forcing riders to manage their efforts carefully before the final ascent. The outcome of this stage will not only shape the podium but could also influence team strategies and the legacy of the 2026 edition. As the Tour approaches its conclusion, all eyes remain on the leaders and the unpredictable challenges of the Alps.
