Why did ASO cut 30km and remove the hilly loop?

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ASO Shortened the Ninth Stage of the Tour de France Due to Extreme Heat

The organizers of the Tour de France, ASO, made the unprecedented decision to shorten the ninth stage by 30 kilometers, removing an initial hilly loop. This alteration was a direct response to an exceptionally intense heatwave, prompting Meteo France to issue a red alert for the central Correze region. The modification was deemed necessary to ensure the race could proceed under conditions compatible with the severe weather warning.
Red Heatwave Alert Necessitated Stage Adjustment

Meteo France, the national weather authority, declared a red alert in the Correze region due to an exceptionally intense heatwave. This severe weather classification compelled ASO to re-evaluate the planned route for the 185.5km stage from Malemort to Ussel. The decision to shorten the stage was made to guarantee that the race could be conducted safely and in accordance with the extreme heat warning.
Removal of Hilly Loop to Mitigate Heat Impact

The specific alteration involved shaving off 30 kilometers from the original route, which included removing a hilly loop at the beginning of the stage. While the exact distance of this loop is not specified, its removal aims to reduce the riders' exposure to the peak heat during a more physically demanding section of the course. This adjustment ensures the race remains viable under the current exceptional weather conditions.
Sporting Integrity Maintained Despite Route Change

Despite the shortened distance and the removal of the initial loop, Tour director Christian Prudhomme asserted that the sporting aspect of the stage would not be significantly altered. The stage still features four categorized climbs, with the longest measuring 4.8 kilometers and the steepest reaching an average gradient of 7.7 percent. Prudhomme emphasized that organizers work with authorities to ensure safety, indicating that this change prioritizes rider well-being without compromising the competitive nature of the event.

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Why did ASO cut 30km and remove the hilly loop?

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