Last year it was lumpy skin disease (LSD) which resulted in detours to the Tour de France and this time another animal ailment will result in a stage being shortened.

An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) across the border in Spain means that the second stage of the world-famous cycling race will now be 16km shorter in order to access restrictions in the region.

Recently, nine wild boars tested positive for the disease in the Catalonia region. This brings the number of cases detected to over 300 since it was initially discovered there late last year. The Dealer is wondering what will upset next year’s Tour?

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