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Stage 18 — Vif > Courchevel Col de la Loze

Stage Profile and Strategy

  • Terrain: Alpine monster stage finishing at Courchevel Col de la Loze (2,304m). Multiple HC climbs including Col de la Madeleine before the brutal final ascent.
  • Race Narrative:
    • Early: Long valley approach through the Alps.
    • Mid: Col de la Madeleine thins the field early.
    • Finale: Col de la Loze - one of the highest and hardest finishes in Tour history.
  • Sporting Stakes: Massive time gaps, potential GC decider, extreme altitude finish.

Stage Report

🚴 Stage 18 Ride Options

🏆 Breakaway Mode (60m @ FTP 128)

"Attack early, fight through the Alps, but beware the thin air at altitude!"

  • 5m @ 96W (75%) [Alpine warm-up | Rolling start through Isère valley]
  • 8m @ 122W (95%) [Early mountain attack | Attack before Col de la Madeleine]
  • 18m @ 115W (90%) [Sustained to Madeleine | 17km climb to La Madeleine (1,993m)]
  • 10m @ 118W (92%) [Col de la Madeleine KOM | Summit battle at 1,993m altitude]
  • 3m @ 102W (80%) [Brief transition | Descent toward Courchevel valley]
  • 16m @ 115W (90%) [Col de la Loze sustained climb | 11.7km to 2,304m - one of highest TDF finishes]

🦺 GC Mode (60m @ FTP 128)

"Survive the altitude, climb steadily, don't blow up on this extreme finish."

  • 5m @ 77W (60%) [Controlled start | Valley approach through Tarentaise]
  • 12m @ 83W (65%) [Valley approach, steady tempo | Building toward Madeleine base]
  • 15m @ 90W (70%) [Approaching Madeleine, tempo pace | Lower slopes of 17km Madeleine climb]
  • 10m @ 96W (75%) [Col de la Madeleine - GC pace | Summit push, stay with GC group]
  • 3m @ 77W (60%) [Brief descent | Technical descent to Courchevel approach]
  • 15m @ 93W (73%) [Col de la Loze - defend position | 11.7km at 8.5% to 2,304m summit]