In what one might charitably call a logistical hiccup and less charitably label a navigational nightmare, Tour de France organizers this week admitted to making a slight error in the minor matter of the race’s actual path — that is, the very course that hundreds of the world’s fittest individuals are charging along, fuelled by sheer competitive spirit and approximately seventeen energy gels per kilometre.
The route for Stage 16 was originally published to span a leisurely 178 kilometres through the picturesque French countryside. Organizers have now disclosed that due to an oversight involving a rather insignificant 2.1-kilometre shortcut — which, clearly, no one could have noticed save for the cyclists relying on it — the actual distance was a measly 175.9 kilometres. This minor pruning of terrain, which one assumes came not from sabotage but perhaps from someone misreading a map before their second espresso, triggered confusion among teams and riders whose calculations were ever so delicately tuned to the original number.
To avoid the horror of finishing early, many cyclists simply pedaled past the unexpectedly premature finish line as if auditioning for a local theatre production titled “Gone With The Wind Resistance.” The commentators, who had only just sharpened their witticisms for the final sprint, were left floundering mid metaphor. Meanwhile organizers quietly updated the official website and subtly hinted at the error in a tone that translated roughly to “oops.”
This year’s race has already featured uninvited tacks on the road and one fan who attempted to take a selfie mid peloton. The unplanned route reduction simply adds to the growing list of things Tour riders must navigate — right after Vitamin D deficiency, absurd inclines and the occasional rogue goat.
Of course, trimming time off the race has a lovely upside: one more espresso back at the team bus.
Next year, organizers may just give everyone a compass and say good luck.