Three grueling Alpine stages remain before the race reaches Paris, with every jersey still under pressure
The 2026 Tour de France has reached its defining stretch as the peloton heads deep into the Alps for the final mountain stages. While Tadej Pogačar remains firmly in control of the yellow jersey, the battle for stage victories and the remaining classifications is far from over.
After 17 completed stages, Pogačar continues to lead the general classification by 4 minutes and 32 seconds over Remco Evenepoel. However, the toughest climbing still awaits, giving challengers one final opportunity to attack before the Tour concludes in Paris on July 26.
Philipsen claims important Stage 17 victory
Belgian sprinter Jasper Philipsen earned his first stage win of this year’s Tour during Wednesday’s Stage 17.
Philipsen timed his final sprint perfectly after teammate Mathieu van der Poel delivered an outstanding lead-out. The victory marked his 11th career Tour de France stage win and provided a major confidence boost after several close finishes earlier in the race.
Despite the victory, Mads Pedersen continues to wear the green jersey. Pedersen collected valuable points during the intermediate sprint and remains the leader in the points classification entering the mountains.
Mountains will decide the Tour
Thursday’s Stage 18 features one of the toughest routes of the race.
The 185.2-kilometer journey from Voiron to Orcières-Merlette includes five categorized climbs and finishes atop a demanding mountain ascent. Riders face nearly 4,000 meters of climbing before reaching the finish line.
Race organizers expect aggressive attacks throughout the day. Breakaway specialists are searching for a prestigious mountain victory, while the overall contenders look to gain precious seconds before the legendary climbs of Alpe d’Huez on Stages 19 and 20.
Jersey battles remain competitive
While Pogačar appears comfortable in yellow, several other competitions remain close.
Pedersen continues to defend the green jersey, although Philipsen narrowed the gap with his Stage 17 victory. Meanwhile, Valentin Paret-Peintre has reduced Pogačar’s advantage in the King of the Mountains standings after another aggressive ride during Stage 18.
The white jersey competition also remains exciting as young riders continue battling through the Alps.
Final weekend promises fireworks
Only four stages remain before cycling’s biggest race reaches the Champs-Élysées.
The next three mountain stages could completely reshape the final podium if Evenepoel or another contender finds an opening against Pogačar. However, the Slovenian star has looked calm and confident throughout the Tour and continues to answer every major attack.
Fans can expect dramatic racing over the next several days as the world’s best cyclists tackle some of France’s most famous climbs before celebrating the traditional finish in Paris.
Event Information
Final Stage: July 26, 2026
Official Website: https://www.letour.fr
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