Tour de France final stage shortened by nearly 50km due to wildfires

The final stage of the Tour de France, scheduled for Sunday, has been significantly shortened due to the severe wildfires affecting France. Organizers announced the route will be reduced from its original 133 kilometers to 89 kilometers.

This decision aims to alleviate pressure on emergency services that are currently mobilized to combat the widespread fires, especially in the Gironde region near Bordeaux. The Ministry of Interior has decided to reallocate some personnel originally assigned to secure the race route to assist in fire-fighting efforts and protect affected populations.

Following a ceremonial start in Thoiry, where the stage was initially set to begin, riders will be transported by bus directly to Paris. The race will commence in the French capital, with two additional laps added around the Champs-Élysées to compensate for the shortened route and allow fans to acknowledge the cyclists who have completed the demanding three-week event.

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Emergency services are fully mobilized in the fight against forest fires, while the police are working to secure the affected areas and protect the population. Therefore, the Minister of the Interior has decided to transfer some of the personnel originally engaged in securing the race route to the areas affected by the fires.