Petition Gathers Thousands of Signatures to Remove Col de Sarenne from 2026 Tour de France Route

A growing movement is challenging the inclusion of the Col de Sarenne in the 2026 Tour de France, with a petition recently accumulating almost 6,000 endorsements. The core of these appeals revolves around safeguarding the delicate ecosystem and animal inhabitants of the French Alps region, asserting that the massive cycling event could cause irreversible damage.

The specific concern arises from the planned ascent of the Col de Sarenne as the concluding climb of stage 20, designated as the race's Queen Stage, which would culminate in the renowned Alpe d'Huez ski resort. This would mark the first time the Tour de France incorporates this particular climb. Matthieu Stelvio, the initiator of the petition, highlights the potential for the Col de Sarenne to become an enormous spectator venue, attracting hundreds of thousands of people. He points to previous bike races that have utilized the route, specifically mentioning the 2017 Critérium du Dauphiné, which saw the climb featured as an ascent. The area, known as the Ferrand Valley, is a critical habitat for various species including marmots, foxes, eagles, and stoats, alongside several rare bird species whose nesting season coincides with the proposed July race dates. Stelvio expresses apprehension about the impact of television helicopters disrupting nesting birds and the crowds trampling the area's unique and vulnerable plant life, in addition to the environmental strain from numerous vehicles and temporary shelters.

Stelvio, a dedicated environmental advocate, questions the appropriateness of hosting an event of such magnitude in a sensitive natural area, suggesting that nature's preservation should take precedence over commercial spectacles. He previously launched a similar petition in 2013 when the Tour descended the Col de Sarenne, gathering over 12,000 signatures and sending an open letter to ASO, the Tour's organizer, though without receiving a response. The 2026 event also includes the L'Étape du Tour de France sportive, where about 16,000 amateur cyclists will traverse the stage route days before the professional race, further exacerbating environmental concerns. The ongoing petition, titled 'Non au passage du Tour de France 2026 au col de Sarenne', continues to draw support, emphasizing the critical balance between sporting events and ecological responsibility.

This initiative underscores a vital message: that even the most celebrated global events must integrate environmental stewardship into their planning. It highlights the growing public awareness and demand for sustainability, urging organizations to consider the broader ecological footprint of their activities. Such efforts are crucial for fostering a future where human endeavors and natural preservation can coexist harmoniously, promoting a more conscious and responsible approach to large-scale events.