Sunday\u2019s final stage of the Tour de France has been rerouted due to \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d surrounding the wildfires affecting the south-west of France.<\/p>\n
Though stage 21 will conclude with the traditional passage down Paris\u2019 Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es, via a finishing circuit on the iconic Montmartre, emergency service personnel have been redeployed to manage the ongoing crisis, which has forced 200,000 people to evacuate.<\/p>\n
The stage has now been shortened from 133 kilometers to 89km and will take place fully within Paris\u2019 city limits \u2014 beginning at 5.50pm local time (11.50 ET) \u2014 with two extra circuits of the Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es before the Montmartre finishing loop. The stage is now scheduled to finish at 7.45pm (1.45pm ET).<\/p>\n
\u201cAs numerous wildfires are currently affecting France, particularly the Gironde region, emergency services are fully mobilized to combat the blazes, while internal security forces are working to secure the affected areas and protect the population,\u201d read a statement from the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the race\u2019s organisers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn light of this, the Ministry of Interior has decided to redeploy a portion of the internal security forces initially mobilized to ensure security for the final stage of the Tour de France, in order to reinforce the response efforts in the areas affected by the wildfires.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the spirit of national solidarity with the affected regions and populations, it has been decided to adjust the route of the final stage between Thoiry and Paris on Sunday, July 26, 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n