diff --git a/.readthedocs.yaml b/.readthedocs.yaml
index acb2ab39df9..520b54654aa 100644
--- a/.readthedocs.yaml
+++ b/.readthedocs.yaml
@@ -26,7 +26,11 @@ build:
         then
           exit 183;
         fi
-    pre_build: # Generate api stub files before building
+    pre_build:
+      # ReadTheDocs fails to download external resources.
+      # Temporarily delete the two files to make ReadTheDocs building work again.
+      - rm examples/gallery/lines/roads.py examples/gallery/maps/choropleth_map.py
+      # Generate api stub files before building
       - make -C doc api
 
 # Build documentation in the doc/ directory with Sphinx