Tadej Pogacar, the two-time reigning champion and current leader of the Tour de France general classification, has urged for a complete overhaul of the cycling calendar to mitigate the effects of extreme summer temperatures. The Slovenian star suggested that no races should take place in July and August in regions prone to high heat, as riders continue to battle conditions consistently above 30 degrees Celsius, reaching highs of 40 degrees during the current Tour.
The demanding conditions have already forced organisers to adapt. Stage nine, from Malemort to Ussel on Sunday, was notably shortened by 30km following a red heatwave alert issued for the Correze department of France. This isn't the first time the 2026 Tour has been affected by weather; stage three in the Pyrenees saw the publicity caravan withdrawn and spectators banned from roadsides due to surrounding wildfires, highlighting the broader environmental challenges facing outdoor sporting events.
Pogacar articulated his concerns, stating, "In my opinion it's a big topic to discuss but if I had the power I would change all the calendar and not race in July and August in hot places. I'd do a completely different calendar, but it's not something I can do." He also proposed earlier stage starts, suggesting 8 or 9 AM, rather than the proposed 10 AM, to avoid the peak heat of the day, acknowledging the early wake-up would be a challenge but one the body could adapt to.
The Professional Cyclists Association (CPA), the riders' union, has echoed Pogacar's sentiments, advocating that "summer race start times must evolve in order to protect athlete health." Tim Merlier, winner of stage eight, recounted the struggle for hydration and cooling, saying, "We have now had one week of racing, always in 35 degrees. It's a fight to have water, ice and drinks between the cars, so for me it's a good idea to shorten the stage."
Veteran Australian rider Luke Durbridge, who first competed in the Tour in 2014, noted that while hot Tours are not new, the current consistency of extreme heat is exceptional. He added that the increased speed and intensity of modern racing leaves "no easy days," exacerbating the physical toll of the heat on athletes. The ongoing debate underscores a growing concern within professional cycling about rider welfare in an increasingly warming climate.