Stage 19 of the Tour de France presents a challenging route from Albertville to La Plagne, featuring five categorized climbs including two back-to-back climbs right at the beginning. Following a descent, riders face the hors catégorie Col du Pré and the category two Cormet de Roselend before reaching La Plagne's steep ascent. This stage not only tests endurance but also highlights the importance of conserving energy for the final climb, a historically significant stretch last ridden in 2002, reminding fans of past champions like Stephen Roche.
The riders are somewhat thrown in at the deep end at the beginning of the stage, as after a short 8km-long run-in they take on back-to-back climbs.
Despite not featuring at the Tour de France since 2002, the ascent to La Plagne is steeped in history, evoking memories of Stephen Roche emerging from the clouds in 1987.
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