The schedule for stage 19 of the Tour de France on Friday has been changed due to the slaughter of cows in the Col de Seis area.
The discovery of a contagious disease among cattle led to the route being shortened from 129.9 to just 95 kilometres by eliminating two climbs, the 11.3-kilometre Côte d'Ery-sur-Ugine and the 13.7-kilometre Col de Césy.
An outbreak of lumpy skin disease has forced the culling of affected herds, and race organisers have decided to change the route due to 'unrest' among worried farmers.
In a statement ahead of the Albertville-La Plagne stage, Tour organisers said: “The discovery of an outbreak of lumpy skin disease affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col de Césy has required the culling of animals.
“In view of the difficulties faced by the affected farmers and in order to maintain the smooth running of the race, in agreement with the relevant authorities, it was decided to change the route of stage 19 (Albertville-La Plagne) and exclude the climb to the Col de Césy.
The ceremonial start will take place, as planned, at the exit from Albertville. After a seven-kilometer parade, the riders will head to the D925, where the official start will be given.
The race will then return to the original route shortly before Beaufort (at 52.4km on the original schedule).
“Thanks to this change, which will in particular allow the Col de Sesy to be bypassed, the total length of the stage will now be 95 km instead of the originally planned 129.9 km.”
On stage 18 on Thursday, Tadej Pogačar conquered his demons on the Col de la Loze to extend his lead in yellow during the hailstorm, while Ben O'Connor took the stage win.
On the mountain where Pogacar suffered defeat in 2023 as Jonas Vingegaard rode away to his second Tour crown, Pogacar gained time two years later as a late climb to the summit allowed him to add 11 seconds to his overall lead, which now stands at four minutes 26 seconds over Vingegaard.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
