Wildfires in Pyrénées-Orientales: Decision on Monday's Tour de France Stage Expected by Day's End

Officials are closely monitoring a significant wildfire in France's Pyrénées-Orientales department, with a decision on the continuation of Monday's Tour de France stage expected by the end of Sunday. The blaze, which has already scorched an estimated 1,500 hectares, is located roughly 70 kilometers from Les Angles, the planned finish point for the third stage of the race.

Pierre Regnault de la Mothe, the prefect of the department, stated that the situation is under active review. "It's a subject we are working on this afternoon. We will be able to make a decision by the end of the day," he informed reporters during a press briefing. The proximity of the fire to the cycling route raises concerns about air quality and safety for both participants and spectators.

The third stage of the Tour de France is scheduled to travel 195.9 kilometers, starting in Granollers, Spain, and concluding in Les Angles. The ongoing wildfire presents a potential disruption to the iconic sporting event, highlighting the challenges faced by organizers when managing large-scale outdoor activities in regions prone to natural disasters.

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It's a subject we are working on this afternoon. We will be able to make a decision by the end of the day.