Tour de France 2026 mountain stages face mudslide risk on Col de Sarenne ahead of Alpe d'Huez finish

A second mudslide struck the Col de Sarenne within a week, covering the road with mud and debris and raising safety concerns for Stage 20 of the 2026 Tour de France. The 170.9 km stage, starting in Le Bourg‑d’Oisans, includes the climbs of Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier and the decisive 12.8 km ascent of the Col de Sarenne, which ends just 14.4 km from the finish. Organisers have previously reopened the pass after a landslide on June 25‑26, but the latest incident renews calls for route reassessment.

The mountain stages also spotlight the historic Alpe d’Huez climb, famed for its 21 hairpin bends and iconic race moments since 1952. In 2026 the Tour will finish on Alpe d’Huez on consecutive days – first from Gap on Stage 19 and again from Le Bourg‑d’Oisans on Stage 20 – giving the climb a central role in the final weekend and the general‑classification battle. Environmental groups have previously gathered over 10,000 signatures opposing the inclusion of the Col de Sarenne, citing concerns for the protected Ferrand Valley’s wildlife and vegetation.