Heatwave forces Tour de France organisers to shorten stage nine

The stage from Malemort to Ussel, which was originally scheduled for 185.5 km, will now ⁠follow a 155.5 km route, the organisers said in a statement.

"Meteo-France has placed the department of Correze on red alert due to an exceptionally intense heatwave," the statement said.

"In light of this ... the race will divert from the original route in the neutral zone, taking the D921 and heading from Brive-la-Gaillarde straight ‌to ⁠Lanteuil, 147.8 km from the finish in Ussel."

Western Europe experienced its warmest June on record, leading to a surge in heat-related deaths. French nuclear reactors had to reduce output due to ⁠the heat on Friday.

"All government offices, local authorities, security forces, emergency and health services, accredited civil protection organisations, volunteers ⁠and other stakeholders remain fully committed to ensuring that this stage runs smoothly," the organisers said.

Slovenian ⁠four-time champion Tadej Pogacar, who won the last two editions, leads the race after Saturday's stage eight.