Tour de France Final Stage Shortened, Rerouted Due to French Wildfires

The final stage of the Tour de France has been shortened and rerouted due to the raging wildfires in southwest France, prompting the diversion of first responders from Paris. Originally set to be 133km long starting in Thoiry, the stage has been reduced to 89km, with the start moved to the Champs-Elysees. The decision was made necessary by the need to deploy internal security forces to combat the blazes, particularly in the Gironde region.

A statement from the Amaury Sport Organisation explained that due to the numerous wildfires, "emergency services are fully mobilised... and internal security forces are working to secure the affected areas and protect the population." Consequently, a portion of the security initially allocated for the Tour's final stage has been redeployed.

Over 267,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain due to the wildfires, with Bordeaux airport closed and the French government advising against travel to the affected areas. The adjusted final stage, stage 21, will still conclude on the Champs-Elysees, with riders completing two extra circuits before the Montmartre climb, a popular route used in the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 Tour de France, known for accommodating large fan gatherings.

Earlier in the Tour, fans were advised to avoid the final 40km of stage 3 due to wildfires. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar is poised to win a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title after dominating the three-week race.