This week, cycling fans and professionals alike have been
buzzing with excitement over the recently announced route for the 2025 Tour de
France. Among the talking points is a stage that could go down in history as
one of the most challenging, pushing even the strongest riders to their limits.
Notorious climbs like Mont Ventoux and Col de la Loze will
make their return, to strike fear into the hearts of even the best climbers.
These legendary ascents promise gruelling tests of endurance, likely to create
dramatic moments and reshuffle the standings.
However, even with these iconic climbs, the 2025 route has
yet to surpass the stage with the highest elevation gain in Tour de France
history. That record belongs to Stage 18 of the 1983 Tour, which ran from
L'Alpe d'Huez to Morzine, covering an astounding 6,400 metres of elevation
gain, according to La Flamme Rouge.
Riders that day faced an endless array of punishing climbs,
making it a battle of resilience and sheer grit. Jacques Michaud emerged
victorious in just under eight hours, a testament to the extreme difficulty of
the course. Meanwhile, Laurent Fignon ultimately triumphed in the overall race,
claiming his first Tour de France title in a year marked by intense competition
and formidable terrain. It was also the year that Sean Kelly of Ireland claimed
the points classification.
While the 2025 edition brings its own challenges, including
the much-anticipated returns of Mont Ventoux and Col de la Loze, the 1983 stage
remains a legendary benchmark. But for now, Stage 18 of 1983 holds its place as
one of the most daunting days in Tour history, a reminder of the brutal demands
that define cycling’s most iconic race.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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🚵♂️ What Tour de France stage has the most elevation gain? 📊 The record is currently held by the L'Alpe d'Huez - Morzine, TDF 1983 Stage 18, with an estimated 6,400 meters of ascent ⛰️. 🏆 Jacques Michaud 🇫🇷 won this stage in 7h 45' 25''
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