BERGERAC: Tour de France organisers announced on Saturday that the next day's ninth stage would be shortened by 30km due to the extreme weather conditions in the central Correze region.

The decision was made after French weather authorities declared a "red alert due to an exceptionally intense heatwave" in Correze.

"In light of this, it has been decided to adjust the route of stage nine of the Tour de France, from Malemort to Ussel, on Sunday 12 July 2026," race organisers ASO said in a statement.

It is the first time in the 113 editions of the Tour's history since 1903 that a stage has been shortened because of the heat.

"This decision has been made necessary by the exceptional weather conditions," said ASO.

"It aims to ensure that the race can take place under conditions compatible with the red heatwave alert."

Most of the Tour so far has been raced in temperatures of over 35C with some stages even seeing temperatures pass 40C.

It has led to teams facing a constant challenge to keep their riders cool and hydrated.

Some have used ice vests before and after stages and ice socks stuffed down riders' jerseys during the race to try to cool their body temperature.

- 'Good idea' -

Belgian Tim Merlier, who sprinted to his second successive victory in Saturday's eighth stage said he was relieved to hear of the decision.

"Definitely it's not a bad idea in my opinion," said the 33-year-old Belgian, who faces a struggle to finish within the time limit on tough mountainous stages.

"We are now one week of racing, it was always above 35C degrees.

"It's definitely a fight to have water, ice and drinks between the (support) cars.

"In the three sprint stages I was busy with the race, but the other days I was just busy (trying) to have enough drinks and have enough ice to cool down because it's so warm.

"So for me, it's a good idea to shorten the stage.

"There are not a lot of other things you can do, but thanks to the organisers, you have to try and it's something."

Riders have become used to battling the heat as much as the long distances, tough climbs and high altitudes that Tour racing tests them with.

Reigning champion and current race leader Tadej Pogacar said before the announcement that he was ready for another punishing day in the saddle on Sunday.

"We cannot expect anything less than around 35C to 40C degrees again," he said.

"We have to be ready as a team, and I think we are.

"We keep the same motto, go day by day, keep cooling the body and trying to survive each stage."

The ninth stage was originally due to take in four categorised climbs in a rolling 185.5km route.

It has been shortened to 155.5km by cutting out a hilly loop at the beginning of the stage.

However, the four categorized climbs, one of which is 4.8km-long while another has an average gradient of a punishing 7.7 percent, remain on the shortened route.

Cycling

Sunday's Tour de France ninth stage shortened due to 'intense heatwave'