The organisers of the Tour de France have announced that the final stage of the prestigious cycling event will be significantly shortened due to wildfires raging in southwest France.The decision comes after authorities stated that security personnel deployed for the race would need to be redirected to areas affected by the fires.

The original 133km route from Thoiry to Paris has been altered to start on the Champs Elysees, with additional laps around the iconic avenue before joining the Montmartre circuit.This adjustment reduces the stage length to 89km, prioritising safety over the traditional race format.

Wildfires near Arcachon Bay and Biscarrosse have destroyed over 36,000 hectares of woodland, prompting the evacuation of nearly 200,000 residents, many from tourist areas.

The changes highlight the growing impact of climate-related disasters on major global events, balancing sporting tradition with urgent public safety concerns.