The 2026 Tour de France is set to tackle the iconic Alpe d’Huez on Friday, featuring a challenging double ascent. However, the lesser-known Col de Sarenne stage on Saturday has ignited significant protests, drawing attention to environmental concerns and the impact of the race on the local ecosystem.

The route, revealed last October, includes a daunting 5,000m elevation gain across four formidable climbs: Croix de Fer, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, and finally, the Col de Sarenne. This will mark the first time the Col de Sarenne is used as an ascent, previously descending in 2013, raising safety issues due to its precarious terrain.

Environmentalists are leading protests against race organiser ASO, criticizing their decision to route the race through the ecologically sensitive Ferrand Valley, part of a national park. A petition has amassed over 15,000 signatures, urging a reroute away from the area, which is home to diverse wildlife, including stoats, marmots, and the rare black grouse.

Matthieu Stelvio, the petition's author, expressed concerns about the potential damage from the influx of spectators and vehicles, stating, "Is this really the place to organise an event that could gather as many spectators as 10 Stade de France stadiums?"

The Tour de France is notorious for its environmental impact, with a massive entourage of support vehicles and fans contributing to its carbon footprint. Locals worry about the pressure this places on the fragile environment of the Ferrand Valley, known for its rich biodiversity.

Despite concerns, ASO has yet to address the environmental implications of the route. Past events have seen successful interventions, such as a petition during the Vuelta a Espana that restricted spectator access at sensitive locations. However, the Tour's plans remain unchanged, prompting Stelvio to lament, "NATURE IS NOT A STADIUM."