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🕒 18 hrs ago

Tour de France Stage 19 Shortened: Cyclists Dodge Diseased Cows Near Saisies

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Image & Source: cnn

Tour de France Stage 19, originally set for 129.9km, now shrinks to 95km as competitors detour around a herd of nodular dermatitis-affected cows near Col des Saisies. Why was the route changed, and can livestock disease disrupt major cycling events? “In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route,” said organizers ASO.

Instead of conquering a grueling Alpine climb, riders will skip the infamous Col des Saisies after a bovine health crisis prompted authorities to cull cattle and barricade the area. How do organizers handle livestock emergencies, and what happens when disease outbreaks intersect with elite sport? Picture: lycra-clad cyclists pedal furiously, chased not by rivals, but by the shadow of agricultural quarantine. The ceremonial start near Albertville remains, but the herd stays off-limits.

Just days before, amateurs cycled the now-banned 129.9km route in full, blissfully unaware that professional riders would soon be rerouted by cow quarantine and a 4,550-meter mountain climb left unconquered.

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