Organisers of the Tour de France have made a last-minute change to Friday’s stage 19 after the discovery of a contagious cattle disease on Cole des Saisies.
Originally, the stage was meant to be 129.9 kilometres with the five categorised climbs. The new route cuts the stage down to 95 kilometres and eliminates two of the intended early climbs, the Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine (11.3km at 5.1%) and Col des Saisies (13.7km at 6.4%.)
“The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals,” the A.S.O announced late on Thursday. “In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route of Stage 19 (Albertville–La Plagne) and to avoid the ascent to the col des Saisies.”
The route changes gives the riders one extra hour to sleep in as it now departs from Albertville as 2:30 p.m. local time instead of 1:30 p.m.
Following a 7-kilometre parade, the peloton will head toward the D925, where the official start will be given. The race will then rejoin the original route shortly before Beaufort. The first climb of the day will now be the Col du Pre, an HC climb of 12.6km at 7.7%.
