Tour de France: Montmartre climb won't count toward final time due to weather
The route takes in three circuits around the Sacré-Cœur basilica for the first time this year after organizers introduced the change following the success of the road races at last year's Paris Olympics, which were attended by huge crowds.
But as tens of thousands of people gathered at the tourist hotspot this year to watch the stage, light rain began to fall around 90 minutes before the riders were due to arrive and organizers decided to "neutralize" the times. Organizers hoped to introduce an element of risk by including the three circuits around the tight bends and cobbled streets of Montmartre.
"Due to slippery roads on shady spots in Montmartre, it has been decided, in accordance with the commissaries of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and representatives of teams and riders, to stop the time at the 4 th passage on the finish line – before the three laps featuring the Cote de la Butte Montmartre," organizers said.
As a result, the overall standings will remain unchanged, meaning Tadej Pogacar remains in the lead. However, the Slovenian will still need to cross the finish line on the Champs-Elysées Avenue to be declared winner of the race.
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