Stage 19 of the 2026 Tour de France is a 127.9 km mountain stage from Gap to the legendary Alpe d'Huez, one of cycling's most iconic summit finishes. The relatively short distance concentrates the action, virtually guaranteeing an explosive finale as GC contenders battle for crucial time before the race concludes. This is a pure climbers' stage where Climbing stats and recent mountain form are the decisive factors.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Tadej Pogacar is in a class of his own at this Tour. His Climbing stat of 84 towers above the field, and his recent form — 7 wins, 8 podiums from 9 similar-profile races — is historically dominant. Unless something extraordinary happens, he is the man to beat on Alpe d'Huez.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Tadej Pogacar is the overwhelming favorite with a Climbing stat of 84 — highest in the field — and a staggering average finishing position of 1.4 across 9 similar-profile races with 7 wins. Alpe d'Huez suits his explosive climbing style perfectly, and his form heading into this stage is virtually unmatched.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Florian Lipowitz and Remco Evenepoel represent the two strongest challengers. Lipowitz has been the most consistent non-Pogacar climber this season with 4 podiums, while Evenepoel's 4.5 average and 1 win in climbing races — combined with his exceptional engine — make him the most dangerous foil on a finish like this.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Florian Lipowitz brings a Climbing stat of 80 and has averaged 5.8 across 9 climbing races with 1 win and 4 podiums, making him one of the most consistent climbers in the peloton this season. Red Bull-BORA's dual leadership with Evenepoel adds tactical flexibility that could benefit Lipowitz on a stage this demanding.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Remco Evenepoel's Climbing stat of 78 is complemented by his elite TT rating of 84 and a recent average finishing position of 4.5 across 4 similar-profile races including 1 win. His ability to maintain power over long climbs makes him a genuine podium threat on Alpe d'Huez.
★★
Dark Horses
Isaac del Toro, Juan Ayuso, and Richard Carapaz form a credible dark-horse trio. Del Toro's 2 wins and 5 podiums in 7 climbing races mark him as a genuine threat, Ayuso has the stats and team support to punch into the top 5, and Carapaz's 80 Climbing rating and Grand Tour pedigree ensure he cannot be overlooked.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Isaac del Toro has been one of the breakout climbers of 2026, averaging 5.6 in similar-profile races with 2 wins and 5 podiums from 7 starts. His Climbing stat of 78 and backing from UAE Emirates make him a genuine dark horse on this iconic mountain finish.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Juan Ayuso averages 8.6 in climbing races with a best result of 2nd, backed by a solid Climbing stat of 79. Lidl-Trek's strong mountain squad gives him the support to make a move on the final ascent.
EF - EasyPost
EF - EasyPost
Richard Carapaz holds a Climbing stat of 80 — joint second-highest in the startlist — and has a best result of 3rd in similar-profile races this season. The EF-EasyPost leader is an experienced Grand Tour climber who thrives on legendary Alpe d'Huez-style finishes.
★
Ones to Watch
Mattias Skjelmose, Lenny Martinez, Jai Hindley, and Tom Pidcock are the ones to watch. All four carry Climbing stats of 78–79 and have shown they can compete near the front on mountain finishes, but none has been consistent enough over the past 90 days to be considered a lock for the top 5. Any of them could feature in a breakaway or a late GC battle.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Jai Hindley carries a Climbing stat of 79 and has recorded 4 podiums in 12 similar-profile races this season, showing he can still compete at the top level on mountain finishes. A strong Red Bull-BORA team around him helps his cause.
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain Victorious
Lenny Martinez averages 8.6 in climbing races with a Climbing stat of 79 and has shown podium potential with 2 top-3 results this season. He is young, punchy, and could be a surprise factor in a select front group on Alpe d'Huez.
Lidl-Trek
Lidl-Trek
Mattias Skjelmose has a Climbing stat of 79 and has averaged 9.7 in similar races, cracking the top 5 on multiple occasions. He is a capable climber who could animate the stage, though consistency remains a question mark.
Pinarello-Q36.5
Pinarello-Q36.5
Tom Pidcock has a Climbing stat of 78 and has shown flashes of brilliance in similar-profile races with 2 wins and an average finishing position of 12.6 over 8 races. His unpredictable attacking style makes him a wildcard worth watching on the slopes of Alpe d'Huez.
Verdict
Tadej Pogacar is the undisputed favorite, entering with 7 wins from 9 climbing-profile races and the highest Climbing stat in the field at 84. Florian Lipowitz and Remco Evenepoel are the most credible threats, with Isaac del Toro and Richard Carapaz lurking as potential podium crashers.