GC Battle Persists in Tour de France 2025 Stage 19: Another Brutal Day of Alpine Racing Awaits
Tour de France 2025: Stage 19 Route Altered due to Cattle Disease Outbreak
The 2025 Tour de France has undergone a significant change in its route for Stage 19, as the originally planned 129.9 km mountain stage from Albertville to La Plagne has been shortened to 95 km due to an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle near Col des Saisies.
The altered route bypasses the initial two climbs, Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine and Col des Saisies. Instead, the riders will start with a 7 km neutral zone from Albertville, then join the D925 road and rejoin the original route near Beaufort at the 52.4 km mark of the initial plan. The official start time was delayed by one hour to 2:30 p.m. to accommodate the changes.
The outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis, a viral skin infection that spreads rapidly among cattle but is not transmissible to humans, prompted culling of cattle in the affected herd to prevent spread. This unfortunate incident has caused distress to farmers, and led organizers to modify the route in agreement with authorities to preserve the race's smooth running.
The stage now retains its mountain classification but excludes the early climbs, affecting the total elevation profile and strategic demands on riders. The riders will face the hors categorie Col du Pré, followed by the category two Cormet de Roselend. The ascent to La Plagne, the final destination, remains a test of the riders' endurance in the third week of the race.
In the overall standings, Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) continues to lead the pack, with Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) in second, 4:26 behind, and Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe) in third, 11:01 behind Pogačar. As the race progresses, many riders will focus on just making it to the finish and one step closer to Paris, with the Tour de France concluding on Sunday.
Despite the challenges, the Tour de France continues with stage 19 into La Plagne on Friday. The peloton will race up the category two Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine before reaching the remaining ascents, including the hors categorie Col du Pré and La Plagne. The stage promises to be an exciting and gruelling test for the riders, as they strive to secure their positions in the overall standings.
[1] Tour de France official website [2] Cyclingnews [3] BBC Sport [4] Le Monde Sportif
- The Tour de France 2025 will no longer include the early climbs, Côte d'Héry-sur-Ugine and Col des Saisies, due to their exclusion from the modified Stage 19 route.
- The Tour de France, despite facing changes due to a cattle disease outbreak, remains a significant sports event for the riders, as they continue to compete for positions in the overall standings leading up to the final stage in Paris.
