The iconic Alpe d’Huez climb is sparking a heated debate in the cycling world. Former B&B Hotels manager Jerôme Pineau suggests a radical idea: privatizing the last 5 km of the climb and charging spectators. This proposal aims to address the financial challenges faced by privately backed teams in the sport. Pineau argues that the sport must evolve to survive the growing economic divide.
But not everyone agrees. Groupama – FDJ boss Marc Madiot strongly opposes the idea, emphasizing that free access is a core part of cycling’s identity. He believes that the sport’s open-door nature is one of its greatest strengths and that hospitality alone won’t solve the financial issues.
This video explores the controversial proposal, the economic divide in cycling, and the potential impact on the sport’s future. Should Alpe d’Huez be a testing ground for a new financial model, or is it a threat to cycling’s heritage? Join us as we delve into the debate surrounding the 2026 Tour de France.
The 2026 tour to France is already sparking heated debate with a controversial proposal to privatize the iconic Alp Dehuez climb. Former B&B hotels manager Jerome Pino suggests charging spectators on the upper slopes, arguing that the sport needs to evolve financially to ensure team survival. He proposes a bold idea. Let’s privatize the last 5 km of Al Deuez, charge admission, have VIPs, and create something to make money. This proposal, while controversial, aims to address the growing economic divide in cycling. However, Grapama FDJ boss Mark Mediate strongly opposes this, emphasizing the sports tradition of free access. He argues that the sports identity is tied to its open door policy and that offering more hospitality won’t solve financial issues. Mediate also highlights the structural concerns such as the financial imbalance caused by varying employment and tax systems across Europe. He warns that cycling is drifting away from its roots, becoming a sport for the rich. The debate over the sports future funding model continues with the question of how to protect free access while creating a sustainable financial model remaining unresolved. Alp Dehuez has become a focal point for this discussion as the climb is set to be tackled twice during the 2026 tour to France.