The race returned to a single stage format in 2018, following the criticism of the 2017 edition's pursuit stage. This was welcomed by the peloton and media.[5]
The race ran from Duingt, at the shores of Lake Annecy, to Le Grand Bornand, covering 118 km, and took in the Col de la Colombière.[6] It was held before stage 10 of the men's 2018 Tour de France, which also finished in Le Grand Bornand.[7] The finale was identical to the men's stage. After the top of the 16.3 km long Col de la Colombière, 15 km was left to the finish.[6]