Tour de France stage shortened due to heatwave in unprecedented move

Organizers of the Tour de France have announced an unprecedented decision to shorten Sunday's ninth stage due to extreme heat. The race between Malemort and Ussel in Corrèze will be reduced by about 30 kilometers, from 185.5 km to 155.5 km.

This measure is deemed necessary because the department has been placed under red heatwave alert by Météo-France. "This decision is rendered necessary by the exceptional weather conditions," stated the organizers, aiming to ensure the event proceeds under conditions compatible with the red alert level.

This marks the first time in the Grande Boucle's history that a stage has been shortened specifically because of heat. The start in Malemort remains at 1:45 PM, with the finish in Ussel now expected around 5:30 PM.

The 2026 edition has already faced disruptions. Earlier, the second stage was shortened from 182 km to 168.5 km due to a wild boar plague detected near Barcelona. Additionally, the finale of the third stage had restricted public access because of a significant wildfire in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Last year, the 19th stage was also shortened following the discovery of a bovine disease outbreak.

“

This decision is rendered necessary by the exceptional weather conditions. It aims to allow the event to proceed under conditions compatible with the red heatwave alert level.