Tour de France organisers have had to alter the route of this years race, less than ten days before the race is due to begin in Utrecht.
The penultimate stage has had to be altered due to a closure of the Chambon tunnel. The alteration means that the iconic Galibier will not be part of this year's race.
The organisers have stated that "the stage from a sporting point of view remains generally unchanged." The start in Modane Valfréjus and arrival at Alpe d'Huez remain the same and the 110.5km length of the stage remains unchanged.
The Col de la Croix de Fer replaces the Galibier as the riders will cross it two days in a row. The peleton will then plunge down into the Oisans Valley and find themselves in Bourg-d'Oisans and re-join the original itinerary, before beginning the climb to Alpe d'Huez.
The ascent of the Galibier was seen as crucial to the outcome of the race. Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana will all the race as favourites for the maillot jaune.
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