'I would change the whole calendar' - Tour de France leader Tadej Pogačar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat
Cyclingnews • • sports
Key Points:
- Tour de France leader Tadej Pogačar called for a complete overhaul of the cycling calendar to avoid racing during the hot summer months, citing extreme heat as a significant concern for rider safety and performance.
- After stage 9 was shortened due to a red alert for high temperatures, Pogačar emphasized the need for broad changes rather than just adjusting race start times, as finishing in the heat would still pose risks.
- Pogačar acknowledged he lacks the authority to implement these changes but highlighted the importance of rethinking the calendar, including potentially moving the Tour de France away from July and August.
- He also mentioned past discussions about calendar shifts involving other major races like the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España to improve weather conditions and rider participation.
- Despite the heat challenges, Pogačar praised his team UAE for effectively managing hydration and cooling strategies, allowing them to maintain strong performance during the race.
