Tour de France Route Changed Because of Diseased Cows: Stage 19 Adjustments
The 2025 Tour de France faced an unexpected hurdle when an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis in cattle forced organizers to alter Stage 19. The highly infectious disease, affecting livestock along the Col des Saisies, led to the culling of infected herds, prompting race officials to reroute the stage to avoid the affected area. This last-minute change adds another layer of unpredictability to the race’s already intense final mountain stage.
How Diseased Cattle Forced a Route Revision
Originally planned as a 130km route featuring five categorized climbs, Stage 19 was shortened to 95km, removing the Côte d’Héry-sur-Ugine and the Col des Saisies. Instead, riders will now depart Albertville one hour later, at 13:30 BST, rejoining the original path near Beaufort.
Race organizer ASO released a statement explaining the decision: The discovery of an outbreak affecting cattle in the Col des Saisies led to the necessary culling of animals. Out of respect for local farmers and to ensure the race proceeds without disruption, we adjusted the route accordingly. While health and safety concerns were the priority, the changes will undoubtedly impact race strategies at a pivotal moment in the Tour.
How the Shorter Route Affects the Overall Competition
Stage 19 is the penultimate mountain stage, a crucial battleground for riders jostling for position in the general classification. The removal of two climbs means fewer opportunities for time gaps, potentially benefiting those struggling with fatigue. However, the remaining ascent to La Plagne—an unforgiving 19.4km climb—still offers a decisive test that could reshape the standings.
Defending champion Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) remains in firm control, holding a massive lead of 4 minutes and 26 seconds over Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease A Bike). However, the real intrigue lies in the fight for third place, where Britain’s Oscar Onley (Team Picnic-PostNL) trails Florian Lipowitz (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) by just 22 seconds.
Onley’s Bold Bid for the Podium
One of the most compelling storylines of this year’s Tour de France is Onley’s aggressive pursuit of a podium finish. His remarkable performance on Stage 18, where he stuck with Pogacar and Vingegaard deep into the Col de la Loze climb, showcased his climbing prowess. While he ultimately finished fourth, his efforts whittled down Lipowitz’s lead significantly.
With fewer climbs on the revised Stage 19, Onley’s opportunities to gain time are diminished. However, if he replicates his resilience on La Plagne, he could still leapfrog Lipowitz for third—and potentially secure the white jersey as the best young rider.
Pogacar’s Relentless Domination
The Slovenian phenom has been in sublime form, demonstrating why he’s the reigning world champion and two-time Tour de France winner. His consistent dominance in both time trials and mountain stages has left Vingegaard unable to mount a serious challenge. Barring a major incident or an extraordinary surge from Vingegaard, Pogacar appears set to claim his third Tour title.
As for Vingegaard, the Danish rider still holds second but has struggled to match Pogacar’s blistering attacks. Stage 19 could be his final chance to claw back time, but with the route now altered, his task becomes even harder.
Final Sprint to Paris and What’s Left at Stake
With just three stages remaining, the race hurtles toward the Champs-Élysées finish in Paris. While Pogacar’s victory seems all but assured, the battles for the remaining podium positions, the polka-dot jersey (King of the Mountains), and the best young rider classification promise gripping drama.
The modified Stage 19 forces riders to adapt on the fly, testing both their tactical awareness and endurance. The Tour de France, true to its nature, continues to deliver surprises—proving once again why it’s the greatest race on two wheels.
Conclusion: A Tour de France Unlike Any Other
The diseased cattle incident adds a unique twist to this year’s race, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of elite cycling. While the route change disrupts plans, the Tour de France’s spirit of grit and resilience remains unshaken.
As the peloton races toward Paris, all eyes will be on Pogacar’s triumph, Onley’s podium hopes, and the final mountain test on La Plagne. The road to victory might have taken an unexpected detour, but the drama is far from over.
Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of the 2025 Tour de France!
