Tour de France Stage 19 Shortened Due Cattle Disease Outbreak

The 19th stage of the 2025 Tour de France has been shortened from approximately 130 kilometers to 95 kilometers due to an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis among cattle on the Col des Saisies, prompting the culling of affected animals. To avoid the infected area and ease the distress of farmers, organizers removed two of the five originally planned categorized climbs, including the ascent to Col des Saisies, with the race now starting an hour later from Albertville and rejoining the original route near Beaufort. This stage, the last in the high mountains, still features three major climbs including the final HC ascent to La Plagne. Defending champion Tadej Pogacar maintains a strong lead over Jonas Vingegaard, while British cyclist Oscar Onley is close behind in fourth place, within striking distance of the podium and the white jersey for best young rider. The changes aim to preserve the smooth running of the race while respecting the local farming community impacted by the disease. With just three stages remaining, the competition remains intense as riders navigate the revised route.