In statements to the newspaper L’Alsace, Prudhomme showed understanding for the criticism received, but clarified that the decision to cut the trees was made in 2023, long before the race route was drawn up. “The fact that 800 trees are cut down surprises everyone, including me. But it is a decision made in 2023, and at that time no one knew that we would pass through here in 2026,” explained the Tour director. “It’s primarily a safety measure. I think about the people who could have had a tree over their heads if we hadn’t cut them down.”
Although he does not consider that the Tour was the main cause of the felling, Prudhomme acknowledged that the presence of the race has accelerated the deadlines for the work. “Of course, the Tour de France passes through there and accelerates the works. But we never asked for anything, obviously…” he continued. “We never ask for roads to be built. If the road is already there, we come. The Tour is nourished by the beauties of France, we do not want to harm France.”
The local government also supported this version, indicating that the long-term logging project had been accelerated due to the forecast of a greater influx of public in the area during the summer, coinciding with the arrival of the Tour de France.