The final stage of the 2026 Tour de France has been cut short due to a lack of security officials, who have been deployed to fight wildfires that are blazing across the country.
Race organisers ASO announced on Saturday afternoon that Sunday’s finale in Paris will be cut from the planned 133km down to a distance of just 89km.
The riders will complete two additional laps of the Champs-Élysées, but the three laps of the circuit up and over Montmartre remain in place.
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“As 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,” read a statement from the race organisers.
“In 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.
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“In 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.”
As a result, the start in Thoiry has been cut, and the stage will take place exclusively in Paris. Fans in Thoiry will still be able to see the caravan and see the riders at the teams’ presentation, but the riders will then get back into their team buses and be driven to the French capital to start the stage for real.
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Two laps of the famous Champs-Élysées have been added to the route to bump up the distance, but the key feature of the stage – Montmartre – remains unchanged. 12 months ago, the cobbled climb and descent in the north of central Paris revolutionised the final stage, and the full planned three laps will be completed.
However, there are an added few kilometres between the descent and the finish line this year, opening up the race a little after Wout van Aert’s solo last year. This change was planned originally and is not part of the new stage re-design.
GC timings were neutralised last year because of the rain, and with more rain forecast in Paris on Sunday, it remains to be seen if the same safety measures are implemented once again.
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The stage is set to finish at 7:45pm local time.
“The Prefect of Police and the Director of the Tour de France commend the dedication of all those involved in fighting the wildfires and express their full solidarity with the affected communities,” read the statement.
“They thank the riders, the teams, the local authorities, the partners and the public for their understanding regarding these exceptional measures made necessary by the situation.”
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