JOINT PRESS RELEASE
The Prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Director of the Tour de France
Changes to the conditions for stage 3 due to the major wildfires affecting the Pyrénées-Orientales department
The exceptionally large wildfire currently raging in the Pyrénées-Orientales is requiring a massive mobilization of wildfire-fighting resources, internal security forces, and all government agencies. The top priority remains the protection of people, property, and natural areas, as well as bringing the fire under control.
In light of this, Pierre REGNAULT de la MOTHE, Prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales, and Christian PRUDHOMME, Director of the Tour de France, have decided to adjust the conditions for the French portion of stage 3, running from Granollers to the town of Les Angles, on Monday, July 6, 2026.
These measures aim to limit the mobilization of public resources to what is strictly necessary, so that they can be prioritized for rescue and firefighting operations.
Consequently, within France, it has been decided at this stage that:
- the caravan will not pass on the race route;
- the event will be limited to the passage of only the riders and vehicles essential to the organization of the race;
- the public is asked not to gather along the route or at the finish line.
The Tour de France will thus take place in an exceptional format, based on autonomous organization and a significantly scaled-back operation, consistent with the operational constraints imposed by the situation.
These measures reflect the plan adopted at this stage, given the current situation. As the situation remains highly changeable, further adjustments may be made.
|
These measures reflect the plan adopted at this stage, given the current situation. As the situation remains highly changeable, further adjustments may be made.
|
|
The Prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Director of the Tour de France salute all those involved (firefighters, internal security forces, staff from government agencies, local authorities, accredited civil protection associations, and all other responders) who have been working tirelessly to combat this fire.
They express their full solidarity with the communities affected by this event and thank both residents and visitors for their understanding and civic-mindedness in the face of the exceptional measures made necessary by the situation.
Given this very high risk, everyone is urged to exercise the utmost vigilance. The authorities remind the public that the majority of wildfires are caused by humans and can be prevented through responsible behavior. It is essential to follow the authorities’ instructions, not to discard cigarette butts in the wild, not to light fires or barbecues near vegetation, and to immediately report any fire by dialing 18 or 112.
Additional press releases will be issued as the situation develops.
|
