While much of France is experiencing a historic heatwave, one of the country's most prestigious sporting events was stopped Friday due to a freak hail storm that left ice littered on the course.
Stage 19 of the Tour de France was neutralized Friday after snow and ice covered the course at the Col d'Iseran — a mountain pass located more than 9,000 feet above sea level.
Tour organizers said the course was too slick and flooded for riders to complete the course safely. There are some reports of landslides in the area.
Stage 19 is the third to last stage of the nearly month-long race. The race is set to finish on Sunday in Paris.
Crazy weather conditions in the downhill in Val d’Isère 😱🌨❄️ @LeTour #TDF2019 #TDF pic.twitter.com/Dv6TcYbr9a
— Wanty-Gobert Cycling Team (@TeamWantyGobert) July 26, 2019
⛈ Stage unridable, more details to follow...#TDF2019 🎥 @Arkea_Samsic pic.twitter.com/cxUC3hEZDO
— Le Tour de France UK (@letour_uk) July 26, 2019
Le chaos à la sortie de Val Thorens 😱#TDF2019 #TDF #veloRTBF pic.twitter.com/l4F5SkJ1F2
— Wanty-Gobert Cycling Team (@TeamWantyGobert) July 26, 2019
This is a developing story.
