Photo Credit: Getty Images
In an unusual twist that underscores how even elite athletic events must bow to biology, Stage 19 of the Tour de France has been shortened to steer clear of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting a herd of cows in the French Alps. Yes, even the world's toughest cyclists had to yield to Moo-dified plans.
The original route, stretching 129.9 kilometers from Albertville to La Plagne, was known as one of the most grueling mountain stages of the competition, featuring an exhausting climb of 4,550 meters. But due to disease-related livestock culling and movement restrictions around the Col des Saisies, organizers were forced to adapt. The newly revised path will now cover 95 kilometers, skipping the affected zone entirely.
The ceremonial start remains unchanged near Albertville. Riders will then be transported to a new starting point that re-joins the race just before Beaufort at the 52.4-kilometer mark of the original route. The rescheduled kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. local time, an hour later than planned. The finish line remains in La Plagne, preserving the mountain drama for fans eagerly watching the penultimate day of the race.
The decision was made with input from regional authorities and with deep empathy for farmers impacted by the livestock illness. Organizers ASO emphasized their intention to preserve both the integrity of the race and the well-being of the local agricultural community.
Despite the course changes, the competition remains fierce. Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogačar holds a commanding lead in the overall standings, extending his advantage to four minutes and 26 seconds over Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard after Thursday's challenging Stage 18. Barring any surprises, Pogačar seems poised to retain his yellow jersey as the race approaches its grand finale in Paris.
Interestingly, just days before the adjustment, amateur riders in the L'Étape du Tour event had tackled the full Stage 19 route—climbing every punishing incline, including Col des Saisies. Little did they know they would have bragging rights for covering ground the pros would ultimately bypass.
While the route revision may seem anticlimactic, the safety-first approach has ensured that the Tour continues smoothly.
