The Tour de France’s ninth stage is shortened due to an intense heatwave affecting the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in western France. Multiple outlets report that riders have been raising concerns about extreme conditions in recent days, with the event expected to be among the hottest editions in its history. Organizers make the adjustment to reduce exposure to dangerous temperatures during the race. The change comes after a week in which heat has increasingly influenced conditions for competitors, leading to heightened attention from teams and riders. One report says this is the first time in the Tour’s 113-edition history—dating back to 1903—that a stage is shortened specifically because of the heat. The rerouting reduces the stage distance while the race continues under modified conditions.