BERGERAC, ⁠France, July 11 (Reuters) - Sunday's stage nine of the ⁠Tour de France will be shortened by ‌30 km (18.64 miles) due to heat risks, race organisers said on Saturday, though it will retain its originally planned start and ​finish points.

The stage from Malemort to ⁠Ussel, which was originally ⁠scheduled for 185.5 km, will now follow a 155.5 ⁠km ‌route, the organisers said in a statement.

"Meteo-France has placed the department of Correze on ⁠red alert due to an exceptionally intense ​heatwave," the statement ‌said.

"In light of this ... the race will divert ⁠from the ​original route in the neutral zone, taking the D921 and heading from Brive-la-Gaillarde straight to Lanteuil, 147.8 km ⁠from the finish in Ussel."

Western ​Europe experienced its warmest June on record, leading to a surge in heat-related deaths. French nuclear reactors had to ⁠reduce output due to the heat on Friday.

"All government offices, local authorities, security forces, emergency and health services, accredited civil protection organisations, volunteers and other ​stakeholders remain fully committed to ensuring ⁠that this stage runs smoothly," the organisers said.

Slovenian four-time ​champion Tadej Pogacar, who won ‌the last two editions, leads ​the race after Saturday's stage eight.

(Reporting by Vincent Daheron; Writing by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru)