Tour 2026, Stage 15: Favorites expected to attack in the Alps

The 15th stage of the 2026 Tour de France, a demanding route from Champagnole to Plateau de Solaison, is poised to be one of the most critical and decisive days of the race. Covering 184 kilometers, the stage will test riders with nearly 4,700 meters of cumulative elevation gain.

The climax of the stage will be the unyielding final ascent to Plateau de Solaison. This climb, stretching 11.3 kilometers with an average gradient of 9.1%, begins shortly after Bonneville. The initial four kilometers of the climb are particularly brutal, consistently exceeding a 10% gradient, followed by sections with gradients between 8% and 10%.

A brief respite will only arrive in the final 1.3 kilometers before the finish line. This challenging profile offers a prime opportunity for the race's top contenders to launch decisive attacks and potentially gain significant time on their rivals as the race nears its conclusion.

The stage is scheduled to commence at 1:10 PM, with the winner expected to cross the finish line shortly after 5:30 PM. Sprinters, who are less likely to contend for the stage win, will face a significant battle against the time cut.