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Cattle Disease Forces Cut to Tour de France’s Final Alpine Stage

Race teams are recalibrating their tactics for La Plagne’s steep finish under the revised Alpine course.

Overview

  • Organizers shortened the 19th stage from 129.9 km to 95 km and removed the Col des Saisies climb following a confirmed outbreak in a local cattle herd.
  • Local authorities ordered the culling of infected cattle near Col des Saisies to contain the infectious disease and protect biosecurity.
  • The stage start in Albertville was delayed by one hour to 14:30 to accommodate health and safety measures.
  • Despite the reduced distance, the route still features two Hors catégorie climbs, including a 19.1 km ascent to La Plagne at a 7.2 percent average gradient.
  • General classification contenders such as Florian Lipowitz, who leads Oscar Onley by just 22 seconds, must adapt their strategies for the final Alpine challenge.