What's the problem?
The 147-kilometre stage from La Voulte-sur-Rhône to Mont Ventoux passes through the Dentelles de Montmirail massif – a region currently considered to be at particularly high risk of forest fires. The authorities have therefore called on ASO to consider an alternative route that bypasses this area.
The possible alternative route
Instead of going via the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Col de la Madeleine, the peloton would set off from Beaumes-de-Venise, passing through Saint-Hippolyte-le-Graveyron, Caromb, Modène, Saint-Pierre-de-Vassols and Crillon-le-Brave on their way to Mont Ventoux. This would also mean that the Col de Suzette (Cat. 2), around 20 kilometres before the final climb, would be omitted.
Important: The finish line on Mont Ventoux itself is not up for debate – only the route leading up to it might change. According to the prefecture, the alternative route will only be used if the risk of forest fires on race day is classified as ‘extreme’. The decision will be made at a briefing on Tuesday 4 August – three days before the stage.
Not an isolated case: the men’s tour was also affected
Forest fires had already disrupted the route planning for the men’s Tour de France: due to the severe fires near Bordeaux At short notice, the 21st and final stage was shortened from 133 to 89 kilometres and relocated entirely to Paris, because the Home Office had to withdraw security personnel to assist with fire-fighting operations.
Due to the ongoing risk of forest fires in the south of France, the Vaucluse Prefecture (the relevant regional authority) has asked the organisers to prepare an alternative route for Stage 7 to Mont Ventoux.
The risk of fire is not an isolated incident this summer: since July, the Federal Foreign Office has been issuing general warnings about an increased risk of forest and bush fires in southern France, particularly for campsites and accommodation near parched vegetation. There is currently no general travel warning for France.
Update to follow: The final decision on the route for Stage 7 is expected on 4 August.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
