On July 20, 2026, the Tour de France concluded Stage 15. This was the most crucial Alpine mountain battle before the final week of the race, finishing with the ultimate climb to Plateau de Solaison. It not only delivered the most decisive mountain showdown of this year's Tour but also completely reshaped the general classification landscape.
During the race, Belgian star Remco Evenepoel claimed the first mountain stage victory of his Tour de France career with a powerful acceleration in the final few hundred meters, edging out yellow jersey holder Tadej Pogačar. Meanwhile, two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard suffered a serious crash in the first half of the race, fracturing his collarbone and being forced to abandon — the most impactful incident of this year's event so far.
Alpine Showdown Begins as Vingegaard's Shocking Abandon Stuns the Peloton
Stage 15 covered approximately 184 kilometers, winding from eastern France into the Alps with a total elevation gain of around 4,700 meters. Finishing at the first-category climb of Plateau de Solaison, it was one of the most challenging mountain stages of this year's Tour.
Shortly after the start, multiple riders repeatedly attempted to form a breakaway, while the main peloton maintained a high tempo to control the race. However, on a curve before entering the mountainous section, defending champion Vingegaard crashed heavily. Post-race diagnosis confirmed a collarbone fracture that forced him out of the race, with Team Visma | Lease a Bike subsequently confirming his abandonment.
Vingegaard's departure means the highly anticipated "dual rivalry" of this year's Tour has ended prematurely, and the general classification standings have undergone a major shift.
Evenepoel Bursts at the Finish, Securing First Tour Mountain Stage Win of His Career
As the race entered the final climb to Plateau de Solaison, the contest became a pure battle among the general classification riders.
Yellow jersey holder Pogačar firmly controlled the tempo throughout, as most contenders gradually dropped off. Only Evenepoel, Isaac del Toro, and a handful of other riders managed to stay with the leading group.
In the final sprint to the line, Evenepoel seized the perfect moment to attack, successfully pulling clear of Pogačar in the last few hundred meters to cross the line first by a narrow margin. He claimed his first Tour de France mountain stage victory, marking the most important win of his race so far.
Top 3 of the stage:
1.Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe)
2.Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG)
3.Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG)
General Classification Reshuffled, Pogačar's Advantage Remains Clear
Although he did not win the stage, Pogačar maintained firm control of the race tempo without losing any time, retaining his yellow jersey comfortably.
With Vingegaard's abandonment, Evenepoel moved up to second place overall thanks to his stage victory; young Mexican rider Isaac del Toro climbed to third, continuing to demonstrate exceptional competitiveness.
Top 3 in the General Classification after Stage 15:
1.Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG)
2.Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe)
3.Isaac del Toro (UAE Team Emirates XRG)
Pogačar remains firmly in control of the Tour de France title race, while the battle for the podium between second and third place will continue into the final week.
Crucial Individual Time Trial Awaits After Rest Day
Following Stage 15, riders enjoy the final rest day of this year's Tour. Stage 16 will then feature an individual time trial of approximately 26 kilometers.
As a three-time world champion in the individual time trial, Evenepoel is widely considered the stage favorite and is expected to further extend his advantage over the riders behind him. Pogačar, meanwhile, will look to consolidate his yellow jersey lead with a solid performance, laying the groundwork for the final three mountain showdowns.
As the race enters its final week, while the yellow jersey remains firmly in Pogačar's grasp, the battle for podium positions and all the classification jerseys is still full of suspense. The 2026 Tour de France is about to reach its climax.
