The Tour de France continues to captivate global audiences, even as unexpected challenges arise. On July 25, 2025, the 19th stage faced a significant alteration due to health concerns affecting local cattle along the route.
- Tour de France stage shortened due to cattle disease.
- Original distance was 80.5 miles, now 57.7 miles.
- Two climbs removed, including Col des Saisies.
- Culling of cows due to nodular dermatitis outbreak.
- Stage start time delayed to 2:30 p.m.
- Tadej Pogačar leads overall standings.
The originally planned 80.5-mile stage from Albertville to La Plagne was shortened to 57.7 miles after an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis led to the culling of infected cows. This decision, made by race organizers ASO, aimed to ensure the safety and calm of the event.
This alteration raises questions about the impact of external factors on major sporting events. How do health crises affect race strategies? With Tadej Pogačar leading, this stage was crucial for competitors like Jonas Vingegaard, who needed a strong performance to close the gap.
- Stage shortened from 80.5 miles to 57.7 miles.
- Col des Saisies removed due to cattle disease outbreak.
- Pogačar maintains a lead over Vingegaard, who is 4 minutes and 26 seconds behind.
- Vingegaard’s last chance to overtake Pogačar may be slipping away.
