TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sunday's final stage of the Tour de France will be shorter than planned because security forces have been redirected to help fight wildfires near Bordeaux, organizers and police said Saturday.
"In a spirit of national solidarity with the areas and communities affected, it was decided to adapt the route for the final stage from Thoiry to Paris," the Paris police and the event's organizers said in a joint statement.
Slovenian four-time champion Tadej Pogacar has all but sealed victory in the world-famous cycling race and only needs to finish Saturday's stage to secure a fifth Tour title in seven years.
Final stage shortened to 89 kilometers
The route for Stage 21 has been shortened to 89 kilometers (55 miles), down from the 133 kilometers originally planned.
It was set to begin east of Paris in Thoiry but will now start with two laps on the Champs-Elysees.
Riders will then race the circuit before finishing on the Champs-Elysees as usual.
The team presentation will still be held in Thoiry before riders are taken to Paris by bus.
"The Paris police prefect and the Tour de France director salute the commitment of all the actors mobilized in the fight against the fires and express their full solidarity with the affected populations," the statement said.
Wildfires near Arcachon Bay, near Bordeaux in Gironde, and around Biscarrosse in Landes have destroyed more than 36,000 hectares of forest and forced nearly 200,000 people to evacuate.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Wildfires Rage in Portugal, Greece, France and Spain
20 hari lalu
Six countries in southern Europe have been hit by wildfires. One of the blazes could affect Monday's third stage of the Tour de France.
Tadej Pogacar Celebrates Fourth Tour de France Title; Wout van Aert Dominates Final Stage
28 Juli 2025
Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert claimed victory in the final stage of Tour de France 2025 in Paris, while Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar secured his fourth general classification title.
Lombok to Welcome 1,308 Cyclists in L'etape Indonesia by Tour de France
4 Februari 2022
Lombok is welcoming 1,308 amateur cyclists to the L'etape Indonesia by Tour de France.
NTB Issues Calendar of Event 2021; MotoGP Mandalika, L'Etape Included
11 Desember 2020
There are three main agendas for 2021 NTB tourism, namely MotoGP Mandalika, Iron Man, and L'Etape.
Extreme Weather Continues, Threatens Tour de France
27 Juli 2019
Heavy rain and thunderstorms threatened to force organizers to cancel the 20th stage of the Tour de France in Val Thorens on Saturday.
