Sunday’s concluding stage of the Tour de France has been shortened after security teams were redirected to combat wildfires near Bordeaux, event organizers and police confirmed on Saturday.
“In a spirit of national solidarity with the affected regions and communities, officials decided to adapt the route for the final stage from Thoiry to Paris,” the Paris police and event organizers stated in a joint declaration.
Slovenian four-time champion Tadej Pogacar has virtually secured the overall victory, needing only to complete Saturday’s stage to claim his fifth Tour title in seven years.
Final Stage Adjusted to 89 Kilometers
The route for Stage 21 has been reduced to 89 kilometers (55 miles), a significant decrease from the originally planned 133 kilometers.
While the stage was initially scheduled to begin east of Paris in Thoiry, it will now commence with two laps along the Champs-Elysees.
Participants will then navigate the circuit before crossing the finish line on the Champs-Elysees as is traditionally customary.
The team presentation ceremony will nevertheless take place in Thoiry before cyclists are transported to Paris via bus.
“The Paris police prefect and the Tour de France director praise the dedication of all personnel engaged in fighting the fires and extend their complete solidarity to the impacted communities,” the statement noted.
Wildfires near Arcachon Bay, close to Bordeaux in Gironde, and around Biscarrosse in Landes have scorched over 36,000 hectares of forest and necessitated the evacuation of nearly 200,000 residents.
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