Published on : 07/25/2026
The 20th stage of the Tour de France featured the final major mountain challenge of this year’s race. Between Bourg-d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez, the riders had to cover 170.9 kilometers with nearly 5,450 meters of elevation gain. A course tailor-made for climbers and a final opportunity to make a difference before the final finish.
From the very first kilometers, the race heated up. The stage’s particularly demanding profile fueled an intense battle to make it into the breakaway, while the general classification favorites had one last chance to try to shake up the standings.
On a course where every climb took its toll on the riders, the Cofidis riders once again demonstrated solidarity and self-sacrifice to overcome this final Alpine obstacle. Faced with the succession of mountain passes and the grueling finish to Alpe d’Huez, each rider gave his all to defend the team’s colors.
At the end of this grueling day, the Tour de France is now heading toward its conclusion. After three weeks of effort, daily battles, and repeated attacks, the Cofidis team will tackle the final stage with the same determination to play an active role in the race and to finish this Grande Boucle on a high note.
The reaction
Sébastien Hinault, sports director: “We were hoping to get Ion Izagirre to the front once again at the start of the race. But I think this was really one day too many for him, as he’s given it his all this week. The rest of the stage was focused on getting everyone back to the peloton with an eye toward tomorrow, which remains a major objective. Either in a sprint with Milan Fretin, or, if it’s a more punchy finish, with Alex Aranburu.”