Tour de France stage 18 brought the most grueling mountain test yet as riders battled relentless gradients, icy conditions, and shifting race dynamics on the punishing ascent to Courchevel Col de la Loze. This queen stage of the 2025 edition drastically impacted the general classification and featured emotional exits, strategic drama, and a fierce fight for the King of the Mountains jersey.
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The Queen Stage Delivers Carnage in the Alps
Riders launched into the stage knowing it would be a battle of attrition. Over 5,400 meters of elevation gain awaited them across multiple climbs, including the legendary Col du Glandon, Col de la Madeleine, and the towering Col de la Loze. With its steep final ramp and unpredictable mountain weather, it was clear this stage would test even the strongest legs.
Key Points Summary:
- Massive breakaway formed early including Roglič, Jorgenson, and O’Connor.
- Yellow jersey scare for Tadej Pogačar after a minor crash before the start.
- King of the Mountains battle heated up between Martinez and Pogačar.
- Spanish heartbreak as Enric Mas and Carlos Rodríguez abandoned.
- UAE Team Emirates controlled the peloton to protect the overall lead.
Yellow Jersey Under Pressure but Holds Strong
Tensions rose even before the neutral start when race leader Tadej Pogačar collided with a team car. Though unharmed, the incident cast early doubt on his readiness. As the stage progressed, his team rode a measured pace behind the breakaway, managing threats from key GC rivals.
Jonas Vingegaard launched a few tentative attacks near the summit of Col de la Loze, but Pogačar stayed glued to his wheel. By the end of the stage, the yellow jersey remained firmly on Pogačar’s shoulders, though the gap to second place slightly narrowed.
Spanish Hopes Dashed on Alpine Slopes
It was a tough day for Spanish fans as two top contenders were forced to abandon. Enric Mas pulled out midway through the stage, unable to recover from persistent fatigue. Meanwhile, Carlos Rodríguez, who had been riding through pain from a crash the day before, was officially withdrawn after scans revealed a fractured pelvis.
Their exits were a massive blow to Movistar and Ineos Grenadiers, both of whom had GC ambitions riding on their shoulders.
KOM Points Shake-Up Adds More Drama
As the breakaway tackled the earlier climbs, Lenny Martinez aggressively targeted mountain points, aiming to steal the polka dot jersey. He succeeded in overtaking Pogačar on several key summits, briefly tying the points tally. However, by stage end, Pogačar’s consistency on high-category climbs gave him a narrow advantage.
With two mountain stages left, the battle for the climber’s jersey is far from over.
What’s Next After This Brutal Test?
Stage 19 will head to La Plagne—another mountainous route that could offer chances for aggressive climbers and potential attacks from GC hopefuls. But after today’s exhausting effort, recovery will be critical. If fatigue hits UAE Team Emirates, we might still see surprises in the fight for the maillot jaune.
Stage 18 lived up to its billing, offering the most dramatic day of racing in this year’s Tour. With battered legs and sharpened rivalries, the road to Paris promises more fireworks. If you enjoyed this breakdown, feel free to share your thoughts or predictions in the comments below.