Cattle cull forces change to Tour de France stage route
An outbreak of nodular dermatitis meant the affected herd has needed to be culled and race organisers have taken the decision to divert the route in light of 'distress' amongst those farmers concerned.
🚨 Changes to Stage 19 – Albertville – La Plagne
The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals. In light of the distress experienced by the affected… pic.twitter.com/yxpQLQVqBR
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 24, 2025
In a statement ahead of the Albertville-La Plagne stage, the Tour said: 'The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals.
'In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route of Stage 19 (Albertville–La Plagne) and to avoid the ascent to the Col des Saisies.
'The ceremonial start will take place as planned at the exit of Albertville. After a 7km parade, riders will head towards the D925, where the official start will be given.
'The race will then rejoin the original route shortly before Beaufort (at km 52.4 on the original schedule).
Tadej Pogacar is in the yellow jersey going into stage 19 (Mosa'ab Elshamy/AP)
'Due to this change, which notably bypasses the Col des Saisies, the stage will now cover a total distance of 95km instead of the originally planned 129.9km.'
During Thursday's stage 18, Tadej Pogacar conquered his demons on the Col de la Loze to stretch his advantage in yellow amidst a hailstorm, as Ben O'Connor wrapped up the stage win.
On the mountain where Pogacar famously cracked in 2023 as Jonas Vingegaard rode away to his second Tour crown, Pogacar was the one gaining time two years later as a late dig at the summit saw him add 11 seconds to an overall lead that now stands at four minutes 26 seconds over Vingegaard.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Andy Farrell backed to lead 2029 New Zealand tour despite Lions missing out on Test sweep in disappointing defeat by Australia
Andy Farrell opened the door to leading the Lions against New Zealand in 2029 despite the disappointing end to this tour of Australia. Farrell's first tour in charge saw the Lions lose the final Test and miss out on a clean sweep but the 50-year-old insisted he will fly home full of pride. He is favourite to lead the team again in four years, with senior players ready to throw their support behind him when the review begins. 'Everyone knows what I think about this concept,' said Farrell, when asked if he wants to lead the next tour. 'I love everything that the Lions is about and I've thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed the last eight weeks. 'There's always ups and downs but the inner circle is a special place to be. Read into that what you want but I suppose four years, there's a long time between drinks, isn't there?' The Lions were outmuscled in the final Test in Sydney, which was interrupted by a lightning storm that resulted in a 40-minute delay in the second half. His team were outsmarted in the wet conditions and Farrell said: 'There is going to be frustration there. We wanted to win every game but the best team won on the night. 'I said to the lads it might take one, it might take two beers but they will be unbelievably proud of what they achieved throughout this tour. 'We all know how hard it is to be successful on a Lions tour against a good side like Australia, and they are a good side, they proved that over the series so, when we get a bit of time to ourselves, we will be unbelievably proud of what we have achieved. 'The legacy for us is in that changing room, the togetherness, not just of the players. The whole group has been an absolute delight to work with. 'We have played some outstanding rugby and that has accumulated into a performance last week that was an unbelievably special moment that will stay with us for ever.'
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Andy Farrell issues response to whether he wants to coach the British and Irish Lions for their 2029 tour of New Zealand
British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell has remained coy on whether he'll return to coach the touring side again for their tour of New Zealand in four years' time. While his team couldn't seal a whitewash against the Wallabies on Saturday afternoon, suffering a 22-12 defeat in torrid conditions in Sydney, the Lions come away from Australia with a 2-1 series victory thanks to their huge comeback victory in Melbourne last week. Farrell paid homage to his team, revealing that after the years of planning the tour has been one of the best experiences of his life. So, would he put his name forward to take the Lions to New Zealand in 2029? 'I've loved every single minute of it but that's a long time off, isn't it?,' he said, cutting a coy figure after being asked the question during an interview on Sky Sports. 'It's been the time of our lives. I know it seems a bit dramatic but it's the truth,' he added. 'We got to create a special memory together. I'm unbelievably proud to be associated with this group. 'This has been a long time in the planning but the best weeks eight weeks of our lives also.' Having sealed the Lions first series win in 12 years, Farrell will no doubt be the favourite to take the side to New Zealand. Daily Mail Sport columnist, Sir Clive Woodward, also believes that the Ireland boss should stay on for their next tour. The Ireland coach will now return home and is looking ahead to a trip to see Oasis at Croke Park next week. But before that, the former cross-code rugby star only had one thing on his mind. 'I can't wait to get into the changing rooms and say what I need to say to this group,' he added. 'I know we're disappointed but we should be unbelievably proud of what we achieved as a group. Lions tours are tough and to do what we've done last week and put the series in the bag, upon reflection after tonight, I'm sure we'll be super proud of the achievements. 'How we got the job done in that type of theatre will live with us forever. These lads have been an absolute dream to work with.' While he praised his side, he also hailed the Wallabies, who 'deserved to win the match.' 'They played the conditions better than us and we overplayed at times and gave them that score that was difficult to claw back,' Farrell added. The Lions looked lacklustre during the match, with Australia taking a firm grip on the game in the opening seven minutes. Joseph Suaalii drew in two Lions defenders to set up Dylan Pietsch on the left wing for a try in the first seven minutes of the match. With the Lions going into the sheds scoreless at half-time, things would go from bad to worse as they lost James Ryan after he was struck on the head by the knee of Will Skelton in a brutal head knock. The rains continued to fall and just after play was halted for Ryan's head injury, referees temporarily suspended the match due to lightning strikes in the area. Proceedings resumed after 30 minutes, but the rain continued to fall, and a handling error cost the Lions dearly, with Max Jorgensen picking up a fumble by Bundee Aki before racing down the wing to score a second try. Jac Morgan, who has had a brilliant tour, came off the bench to pull a try back for the Lions, driving over for their first score of the match in the 61st minute. Aussie legend Nic White signed off his international rugby career in style, enjoying a fine performance before leaving the footy pitch to a huge round of applause from the fans inside the Accor Stadium. His replacement, Tate McDermott came on and added another dimension to the match, utilising his lightning-quick speed to skirt over from close range and extend Australia's lead. The Lions didn't relent as they sought to pull off another late comeback, with Will Stuart crossing the line in the final minute of the match. But it was too little, too late for Farrell's side. While the Lions were a shade of their previous selves during this match, struggling to compete with the Aussies at the breakdown, Tadhg Beirne admits that his side gave too many penalties away. 'I wouldn't say we struggled to get up for the game. I thought some of our defensive sets were excellent. It was probably just the penalties — creeping offside once or twice — that gave them more chances,' the player of the series told Sky Sports. 'But the number of times we pushed them back when they kept coming at us, I thought our defence was brilliant. So it wasn't about energy; it was about accuracy and discipline. That let us down today. 'On another day, we wouldn't have made those errors and we'd have won both. Credit to Australia — now it's time to get back to enjoying the moment.'
BBC News
16 hours ago
- BBC News
'The situation is far from ideal'
Manager Eddie Howe speaking from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia on Alexander Isak and Liverpool's rejected bid for the striker: "I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home."I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation."I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again."The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say."
