The nineteenth stage from Albertville to La Plagne has been shortened to 95 kilometers. Due to the outbreak of a contagious animal disease at Col des Saisies, it has been decided to remove the climb. As a result, the planned 129.9 kilometers have been reduced to 95 kilometers, the organizers have just announced.
Organizer ASO had included no less than five climbs in this stage, but because of the outbreak of nodular dermatitis (a skin condition) affecting livestock in a herd specifically located at Col des Saisies, the first-category climb of that pass and the Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine (second category) will be skipped.
"Due to the emergency faced by the affected farmers and to ensure the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in consultation with the relevant authorities, to modify the route of Stage 19 (Albertville–La Plagne) and avoid the ascent to Col des Saisies," the organization writes in a press release.
<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="text-blue-500 underline" href="https://www.wielerflits.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tour-de-France-2025-Profiel-Rit-19.jpg"></a> Original stage profile
The ceremonial start will take place as planned at the exit of Albertville. After a 7 km parade, the riders will head towards the D925, where the official start will take place. After the start signal, the peloton will ride via an alternative route towards Beaufort. That point is located 52.4 km from the original schedule.
Due to this change, which mainly avoids Col des Saisies, the stage will cover a total distance of 95 km instead of the originally planned 130 km.
As a result, the start will only take place at 14:30, an hour later than originally planned.
