The Tour de France continues its challenging journey with the 18th stage, a grueling 145 km route from Embrun to Isola 2000, featuring three significant climbs. This stage is crucial as it includes the Col de Vars, a non-category climb, followed by the Cime de la Bonette, the highest road in France at 2,802 meters, and culminating in the first category climb to Isola 2000. The race is expected to be a showdown between Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar, as they push their limits in the high altitude, with Vingegaard needing to gain ground in the general classification. The stage starts at 12:20 p.m. and is anticipated to finish around 4:30 p.m., with live coverage available on France 2 and Eurosport.
The previous stage saw Richard Carapaz achieving a significant milestone by winning his first Tour de France stage, solidifying his status as a rider who has conquered all three grand tours. Carapaz triumphed at the Col du Noyer, finishing ahead of Simon Yates and Enric Mas. This victory not only adds to his accolades but also highlights the intense competition in this year's Tour, where riders are battling not only for stage wins but also for overall glory.
- The stage from Embrun to Isola 2000 is expected to test the riders' endurance after nearly three weeks of racing. The climbs are steep, with the final ascent to Isola 2000 featuring sections reaching 10% gradient, making it a critical point for the leading competitors. The scenic route also offers a glimpse of the **Fort de Tournoux**, a historical landmark that adds cultural significance to the race. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Vingegaard and Pogacar, with fans eager to see how they will strategize their attacks in the high-altitude conditions.
