On Sunday, Tadej Pogacar urged a radical overhaul of the Tour de France calendar to avoid racing during extreme heat. Following the shortened ninth stage from Malemort to Ussel, where Mathieu van der Poel emerged victorious, Pogacar expressed concerns over competing in July and August's sweltering conditions.
Radical Changes Needed for Tour de France Calendar
Pogacar, a four-time Tour de France champion, stated, “If I had the power I would change all the calendar and not race in July and August in hot places.” He emphasized the dire need for a new schedule to protect riders from the intense heat that has characterized this year’s race.
The extreme weather conditions prompted organizers to shorten the ninth stage due to safety concerns. Pogacar suggested starting stages earlier in the day, stating, “Maybe the next step is to start the stages earlier... You need to start at eight or nine, or even before.” While he acknowledged the challenges of such a shift, he believes it is necessary for rider well-being.
Impact of Heat on Riders During the Tour
The Tour de France is known for its challenging conditions, but the ongoing heatwave has made racing particularly strenuous. Many cyclists have resorted to innovative cooling methods, including ice baths and portable cryotherapy units, to cope with the high temperatures. After the Ussel stage, riders sought immediate relief by plunging into ice baths to lower their body temperatures.
- Mathieu van der Poel won the ninth stage.
- Tom Pidcock finished third in the same stage.
- Stage nine was shortened due to extreme heat.
- Pogacar advocates for starting stages earlier to mitigate heat exposure.
Calls for Enhanced Safety Protocols
The Professional Cyclists Association (CPA) echoed Pogacar’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of implementing extreme weather protocols to safeguard athletes. They urged that discussions should be held with stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive plan before the summer of 2027.
Pogacar's concerns resonate with many in the cycling community, highlighting the urgent need for adaptations in racing schedules to ensure the health and safety of competitors. As the Tour continues, the pressure to find solutions to combat the effects of heat will only increase.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Sport. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
