The Tour de France Femmes is facing pressure to reroute part of its key stage to the summit of Mont Ventoux next Friday. This comes amid wildfire threats in Provence.
The Vaucluse prefecture has asked organisers to consider an alternative route. A fire risk assessment on Tuesday, 4 August, will determine if an alternative route is implemented, should the wildfire risk be considered "extreme."
Marion Rousse, the Tour de France Femmes race director, stated that they are in constant contact with the prefecture and will adapt, similar to how the men's Tour de France was affected by wildfires. She confirmed there would still be a climb of the Ventoux, with several options available, and expressed readiness to work with emergency services and the government.
The women's Tour is set to begin in Lausanne on Saturday. The inclusion of Mont Ventoux on the route highlights the growth of women's racing, with Rousse noting that "there is no mountain that is too difficult for women."