Tour de France 2026: Vosges stage towards Markstein to test climbing ability

Mulhouse – July 18, 2026: The Tour de France leaves the flatlands behind and faces its next major challenge in the Vosges Mountains. Stage 14 covers 155.3 kilometres from Mulhouse to Le Markstein-Fellering, packing 3,800 metres of elevation gain into a relatively short distance. After three flatter stages, the peloton is immediately drawn back into the rhythm of climbing, descending and tense battles for position.

From the start of the race, the road climbs toward the Grand Ballon. This is not merely a scenic opening. On this course profile, a strong breakaway can quickly become a dangerous threat, so the favourites must organize their teams early. Those seeking to gain time in the general classification need not only to set the pace, but also domestiques capable of controlling the race after several climbs.

The Ballon d’Alsace becomes the next key point on a stage with hardly any long recovery sections. Its passage on July 18 follows the exertion of the previous day’s climbing and demands not only fresh legs, but also wise energy management. For riders targeting the mountains classification, the succession of climbs offers opportunities, while for yellow jersey contenders, the most important thing is not to lose teammates too early.

The finale will be at the heart of the action. Included in the Tour route from this approach for the first time, the Col du Haag is a well-maintained forest road that winds upward for 11.2 kilometres at an average gradient of 7.3 percent. The gradient is irregular, denying climbers the chance to settle into a comfortable pedalling rhythm. Attacks here could not only create gaps of seconds, but also split the support structures of rival teams.

Only a short section remains from the summit of the Col du Haag to the finish at Markstein. That changes the tactics. A solo rider cannot hesitate at the summit, while the chasing group has little time to build an organized pursuit. The finish area near Fellering therefore rewards riders who not only produce the highest wattage, but also accurately read the decisive moments that arise in the mountains.

The official timetable lists the neutralized start in Mulhouse at 13:10 and the expected arrival time at Markstein at 17:24. This stage is not merely a stopover before the Alps. It is a concentrated mountain test. Anyone who falters here risks losing ground in the general classification, while whoever masters the Vosges will send a message ahead of the second half of this Tour.

For spectators in the valleys of the Thur and Doller rivers, this race day also means major traffic restrictions along the route. Sportingly, however, this stage belongs to the climbers. Mulhouse provides the start, and Le Markstein-Fellering is the finish line. Between them lies a day in which every kilometre points uphill and every decision comes under pressure.