Tour de France Stage 19 Faces Safety Fears on L'Alpe d'Huez as 21-Hairpin Climb Fills With Fans
Updated
Updated · Cyclingnews · Jul 24
Tour de France Stage 19 Faces Safety Fears on L'Alpe d'Huez as 21-Hairpin Climb Fills With Fans
3 articles · Updated · Cyclingnews · Jul 24
Summary
Hundreds of police were deployed for Friday’s Tour de France stage to L'Alpe d'Huez after overnight videos showed dense crowds partying on the climb, slowing official vehicles and even police cars.
Social media footage and local reports showed fireworks, singing and dancing on the road, while police closed access early Thursday and a 20km traffic jam built in the valley below.
Riders and teams said the atmosphere on the 21-hairpin ascent could become dangerous, with Remco Evenepoel warning narrow sections can block moves and others fearing crashes amid heavy roadside crowds.
Barriers and roped-off sections were added at fan hotspots including the Dutch corner, and Danish and Dutch police were invited to help manage spectators on the climb.
The Tour returns to L'Alpe d'Huez for the first time since 2022, with back-to-back mountain stages expected to draw massive crowds as Tadej Pogačar defends the yellow jersey.