Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid 'red alert' heatwave warning in central France
Cyclingnews • • sports
Key Points:
- Stage 9 of the Tour de France has been shortened from 185.5km to 155.5km due to a red heat alert in the Corrèze department, with 30km cut between Malemort and Ussel to protect riders and residents from extreme temperatures.
- Temperatures are forecasted to reach up to 41ºC along the route, prompting local authorities to declare a red weather alert, although the stage will still proceed with a slightly earlier finish time.
- The UCI Extreme Weather Protocol allows race modifications or cancellations when conditions are deemed high risk, but decisions ultimately rest with race organizers and officials, even if riders and teams disagree.
- Europe has been experiencing a prolonged heatwave affecting various events, including Tour de France stages and public activities in Paris, where major landmarks closed due to the heat.
- Organizers and authorities emphasize precautions such as hydration and reduced physical activity during peak heat, while this is the first major stage alteration in the race due to temperature despite ongoing high heat throughout the Tour.
