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Tour de France stage 19 rerouted due to cattle disease outbreak

Stage 19 will be shortened from 129.9 km to 95 km after discovery of contagious cattle disease.

July 24, 2025 at 09:19 PM

Two fewer climbs: Tour de France stage 19 rerouted and delayed due to cattle disease outbreak on Col des Saisies

Tour de France alters route amid farmer distress over contagious cattle disease.

Tour de France stage 19 faces major changes due to cattle disease outbreak

Tour de France organizers have made significant changes to stage 19 due to a contagious cattle disease affecting the Col des Saisies. Originally scheduled for 129.9 kilometers with five climbs, the race will now be shortened to 95 kilometers. This adjustment removes two climbs, Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine and Col des Saisies, to support farmers impacted by the disease. Contagious nodular dermatitis, while not harmful to humans, poses a threat to livestock health and farmer livelihoods. The stage will now start in Albertville at 2:30 p.m., one hour later than planned, before shifting back to the original route at Beaufort, heading towards La Plagne without the initial challenging climbs.

Key Takeaways

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Stage 19 of the Tour de France is reduced from 129.9 km to 95 km due to a cattle disease outbreak.

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The Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine and Col des Saisies climbs have been removed from the route.

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Contagious nodular dermatitis does not affect humans but causes significant suffering to cattle.

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The race organizers aimed to prevent further distress to farmers affected by the outbreak.

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This situation emphasizes the interplay between sports events and agricultural health concerns.

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The revised stage will still feature significant climbs, ensuring a competitive race despite route changes.

"The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis...has necessitated the culling of the animals."

This reflects the gravity of the cattle disease situation impacting local farmers and the Tour.

"In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers...it has been decided to modify the route."

This statement illustrates the organizers' effort to balance sport and community well-being.

The last-minute alteration to the Tour de France showcases the delicate balance between sports events and agricultural interests. With the announcement, officials not only prioritize the health of livestock but also acknowledge the emotional toll on affected farmers. This incident highlights the broader implications of agricultural diseases on public events, prompting discussions on how best to manage and communicate such crises in the future. The Tour de France is not just a cycling race but a reflection of the communities it traverses, and disruptions like this can resonate far beyond the race itself.

Highlights

Rerouting the Tour de France reflects the urgent realities faced by farmers.
Cattle health concerns bring significant changes to one of cycling's biggest events.
The Tour de France adapts, prioritizing agricultural safety over tradition.
This outbreak shifts the focus from race strategies to farmer welfare.

Cattle Disease Outbreak Raises Concerns for Tour de France

The alteration to the route due to a contagious cattle disease poses risks not only to farmers but also impacts the race's integrity and community relations. As agricultural health crises emerge, they can swiftly alter public events, leading to potential backlash from cycling purists and complications for farmers.

As the race continues, attention turns to how agricultural events might impact future sporting schedules.

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tour de france col des saisies cattle disease agricultural impact sports management sports health agriculture

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