France Heatwave Shortens Tour de France Stage

The Tour de France took the unprecedented step of shortening a stage for the first time due to heat, as riders face gruelling conditions.

Belgium's Tim Merlier won his second straight stage, while Tadej Pogacar retained the overall lead.

The heatwave is the third to hit France this summer, straining infrastructure and prompting health warnings.

Organizers are monitoring conditions closely with more hot days forecast.