The 15th stage of the Tour de France on Sunday the 20th of July which originally would have been started at Digne-les-Bains, will take now take off from Embrun. Tour de France organiser ASO announced today that the French race organiser had to change the route due to security reasons.

In a statement ASO said: "Indeed, the risk of rock falls in the climb up the Col de Larche being fairly important, the organisers of the Tour de France have decided after speaking to the local authorities and following the recommendations of the State departments, to modify the itinerary in order to guarantee the security of the riders, the spectators and the followers of the Tour."

ASO continued by saying: "The risk of rock falls on about 4 kilometres of the course was known for several months and all the parties concerned were trying to find a solution. Unfortunately, three months before the start of the Tour, the works considered could not guarantee the necessary security for the passage of the race, and based on the time necessary for the study of a new course, wisdom commanded to change the itinerary."

Because of the new route the riders will have to climb the Col d'Agnel. The ASO announcement concluded: "Like for the stage on the 23rd of July which will finish at the Alpe d’Huez, the 15th stage of the Tour de France will take off from Embrun and head to Prato Nevoso on a distance of around 185 kilometres (before the reconnaissance), in other words 30 kilometres less than the stage initially planned. Instead of the Col de Larche, the pack will have to face the climb up the Col d’Agnel (2744m)."