The favourites emerge
This stage joins two towns also linked in the 2008 Tour. The route between them is slightly different, though, with the cat 2 Col de Croix Saint-Robert providing a stiff test prior to the final climb up to the ski resort of Super-Besse. Three years ago, Riccardo Riccò led the field home while Stefan Schumacher lost the yellow jersey after crashing in the final charge to the hill-top finish. Neither, of course, will race this year, but the yellow jersey could still change hands. The final ramps are steep enough to split the field and to ensure all the yellow jersey favourites will be working hard.
Details -
Distance: 189 km
Highest point: 1,451m
Category: Medium mountains
Sean Yates says...
'In the Massif Central, it’s often so hot the tarmac starts to melt. The stages are hectic until the break goes but the main group will never coast and let a group get 20 minutes. I doubt that the finish is hard enough to cause big splits in the GC guys."
Stage map
Stage profile
-
Cycling transfers – All the latest news and announcements for the 2026 season
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTours -
'Everything is going to plan' – Visma-Lease a Bike unfazed by Vingegaard's narrow lead on Almeida before Vuelta a España final week
'Of course, we would have liked to have a bit more of a gap already, but Almeida is really strong, so for the moment, we are happy' says Head of Racing Niermann -
'People are doing it for a reason, it's horrible what's happening' – Vuelta a España leader Jonas Vingegaard voices understanding for pro-Palestine protesters
Dane comments on continued demonstrations at Grand Tour after Javier Romo was caused to crash by protester on stage 15, as organisers deny that final stage is at risk -
'The numbers were quite high' – Remco Evenepoel positive about form as build up to World Championships continues
Belgian planning further high-intensity training after Tour of Britain Men second place
