Officials in France urge Tour de France spectators to stay away from the finish area of the race’s third stage because of wildfires in the southwest of the country. Multiple reports say the guidance comes from a combination of local authorities and race organisers, who are responding to fast-moving fire activity near areas the route will pass.
The concern is focused on the end of Monday’s third stage, which is scheduled for July 7, when the race goes close to locations affected by the wildfires. Organisers ask people not to travel to or gather along the route to cheer riders, citing safety risks associated with the fires and the broader impact of extreme heat in the region.
While the reports describe the affected geography as part of the south and southwest of France, they do not indicate changes to the race itself in the available excerpts. Instead, the emphasis is on restricting spectator presence at the stage finish to reduce risk during the wildfire emergency.
