Wildfire in southern France forces Tour de France stage behind closed doors

The third stage of the Tour de France, which crosses into southern France from Spain, will proceed without public attendance due to a significant wildfire. French authorities made the decision to ban spectators and the advertising caravan from the final 40 kilometers of the stage, which ends in Les Angles.

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It will be a stage of the Tour de France without public, in any case in the French part.

The fire, which began Saturday afternoon, has been exacerbated by strong winds, burning an estimated 1,650 hectares. Over 10,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas, including Les Aspres and Ille-sur-Têt. Two people, a firefighter and a local resident, have been injured and are in critical condition.

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme acknowledged the exceptional circumstances, stating, "In the face of exceptional catastrophes, exceptional decisions." He emphasized that the priority is the safety of the population and praised the firefighters' efforts. The decision was made in coordination with the prefect of Pyrénées-Orientales, Pierre Regnault de la Mothe.

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In the face of exceptional catastrophes, exceptional decisions.

While the measure is a disappointment for fans, the cycling peloton had feared the stage might be canceled entirely. The decision allows security forces to focus on combating the blaze, which is threatening several localities.

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There was nothing else to do, the priority is the safety of the population and we must congratulate the firefighters for their exceptional commitment.