{"id":2034134,"date":"2026-07-09T02:41:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T23:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034134"},"modified":"2026-07-09T02:41:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T23:41:38","slug":"tour-de-france-enters-the-extreme-weather-protocol-red-zone-but-the-show-will-go-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2034134","title":{"rendered":"Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-2000-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wqdDUzXyP8f4rStcC7dp6k-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wqdDUzXyP8f4rStcC7dp6k-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Torstein Tr\u00e6en keeps yellow for another day after no major time gaps declared in hectic stage 5 finish\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FGUqJongNr8PCisdFNXRvN-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits at the Tour de France\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-09T02:41:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Temperatures up to 35\u00b0C and a risk of thunderstorms forecast for stage 6, which takes race over Col du Tourmalet<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Ice blocks have become popular at the Tour de France, the bigger the better it seems as UNO-X Mobility&#8217;s Jonas Abrahamsen snares a whopper and race leader Torstein Tr\u00e6en eyes the icy prize<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-9f5620ec-7b2f-11f1-b38b-c9fbe47fdf97\">The Tour de France riders face another day of racing in &#8216;red zone&#8217; extreme heat when they head into the Pyrenees on Thursday. The race and the show that is the Tour de France, however, will go on, with most riders and teams accepting another day of suffering.<\/p>\n<p>Stage 6 starts in Pau, on the hot plains of southwestern France, before climbing the Col du Tourmalet and finishing in the high valley town of Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre close to the border with Spain, where thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon. Local orange weather alerts are in place across the Hautes-Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es region of France, with warnings that &#8216;dangerous weather events are expected&#8217; and calls to be &#8216;be very vigilant.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f5620ec-7b2f-11f1-b38b-c9fbe47fdf97-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Cyclingnews<\/em> has seen the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol forecasts for parts of the stage and there are multiple red zone forecasts. The calculations are made using a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) climatic index, that combines the air temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed on human body temperature to understand the conditions the riders face during a race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Several sections of road early in stage 6 will be above 28\u00b0C, the number designated in UCI regulations to be a &#8216;high risk.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red zone numbers can allow the modification of the stage start time, the neutralisation of a long section of the stage, such as a long climb exposed to the sun, and even eventual cancellation of the stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s always been hot at the Tour de France but it&#8217;s never this hot&#8217; &#8211; Riders set to face temperatures of 37\u00b0C at stage 4 finish in Foix<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;You may decide to cancel a stage&#8217; \u2013\u00a0French regions will be authorised to call off Tour de France stages if extreme heatwaves hit the race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However none of these actions are expected to be taken to protect the riders from facing extreme heat on Thursday, when temperatures of up to 35\u00b0C are forecast at locations along the route, or later in the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Any decisions are made by the different stakeholders in the sport (the UCI, race organisers, teams and rider representative), plus the Safety Manager for the race. The rider&#8217;s CPA association and the AIGCP teams association may request action be taken but they can be outvoted in any pre-stage meeting, obliging the riders to race on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rules for extreme heat state: &#8220;If stakeholders cannot reach a consensus by the end of the meeting, the organiser, in agreement with the President of the UCI Commissaires panel, shall decide the actions to be taken.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e76be272-7b34-11f1-a6ed-a5acccb88f66\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Spectators lining up in the cooling water as riders pass at the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e76be2fe-7b34-11f1-9707-0bb6e45b3791\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cThis is the Tour, and in the Tour, anything goes,&#8221; former rider and now Soudal-QuickStep sports director Iljo Keisse told <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> after giving out hundreds of bidons of water and ice to his riders on yet another day where temperatures were over 35 \u00b0C for much of the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Veteran Soudal riders Dylan van Baarle and Jasper Stuyven were equally sceptical.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The High Temperature Protocol, switching dates, racing in the morning \u2013 What could the future of the Tour de France look like as summer temperatures continue to rise?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France stages 3 and 4 at risk of cancellation due to wildfires, heat<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;ASO doesn&#8217;t listen to the riders,&#8221; Van Baarle was quoted as saying when asked on <em>NOS<\/em> if Tour de France organiser ASO would perhaps consider shortening stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Most other riders have accepted the suffering of this year&#8217;s Tour and simply try to survive in the heat. They follow their team&#8217;s cooling protocol of ice socks on their necks, drinking slushies to cool their core temperature, constantly spraying water on their bodies and then jumping into an ice bath post-stage and carefully rehydrating.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Tuesday, the UCI announced that teams were allowed to hand out musettes filled with water bottles and ice on all categorised climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before Wednesday&#8217;s fifth stage they also quietly agreed that the feed zone will be open from kilometre ten and will end six kilometres from the finish. That basically allows teams to feed from any point along the road, so that riders can collect bidons and ice from roadside team staff, without having to constantly drop back into the team car convoy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We know very well that it can be like this in France and Spain during the summer,&#8221; Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) said after winning stage 4 to Foix on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s very difficult, but within the team we have a protocol to protect ourselves from the heat and adapt to the conditions. If the conditions were truly too bad, to the point of endangering the riders, we certainly wouldn\u2019t have raced.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost) is one of the three CPA riders association representatives at the Tour but told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> that the team chats have been quiet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is no sign of a protest or even a go slow in the heat, just lots of cooling tactics on hand to try and manage it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The protection of the riders and the public is paramount for me,&#8221; race director Christian Prudhomme said, promising more ice will be made available to the teams and riders.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e1ff8aa-7b38-11f1-979f-01fa8294caf5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s always been hot at the Tour de France but it&#8217;s never this hot&#8217; &#8211; Riders set to face temperatures of 37\u00b0C at stage 4 finish in Foix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You may decide to cancel a stage&#8217; \u2013\u00a0French regions will be authorised to call off Tour de France stages if extreme heatwaves hit the race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The High Temperature Protocol, switching dates, racing in the morning \u2013 What could the future of the Tour de France look like as summer temperatures continue to rise?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France stages 3 and 4 at risk of cancellation due to wildfires, heat<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after chaotic run-in<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been able to set some goals&#8217; \u2013 Neilson Powless makes racing return after five months of rehabilitation following knee surgery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-09T02:41:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Temperatures up to 35\u00b0C and a risk of thunderstorms forecast for stage 6, which takes race over Col du Tourmalet<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Ice blocks have become popular at the Tour de France, the bigger the better it seems as UNO-X Mobility&#8217;s Jonas Abrahamsen snares a whopper and race leader Torstein Tr\u00e6en eyes the icy prize<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-9f5620ec-7b2f-11f1-b38b-c9fbe47fdf97\">The Tour de France riders face another day of racing in &#8216;red zone&#8217; extreme heat when they head into the Pyrenees on Thursday. The race and the show that is the Tour de France, however, will go on, with most riders and teams accepting another day of suffering.<\/p>\n<p>Stage 6 starts in Pau, on the hot plains of southwestern France, before climbing the Col du Tourmalet and finishing in the high valley town of Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre close to the border with Spain, where thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon. Local orange weather alerts are in place across the Hautes-Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es region of France, with warnings that &#8216;dangerous weather events are expected&#8217; and calls to be &#8216;be very vigilant.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f5620ec-7b2f-11f1-b38b-c9fbe47fdf97-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Cyclingnews<\/em> has seen the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol forecasts for parts of the stage and there are multiple red zone forecasts. The calculations are made using a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) climatic index, that combines the air temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed on human body temperature to understand the conditions the riders face during a race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Several sections of road early in stage 6 will be above 28\u00b0C, the number designated in UCI regulations to be a &#8216;high risk.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red zone numbers can allow the modification of the stage start time, the neutralisation of a long section of the stage, such as a long climb exposed to the sun, and even eventual cancellation of the stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s always been hot at the Tour de France but it&#8217;s never this hot&#8217; &#8211; Riders set to face temperatures of 37\u00b0C at stage 4 finish in Foix<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;You may decide to cancel a stage&#8217; \u2013\u00a0French regions will be authorised to call off Tour de France stages if extreme heatwaves hit the race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However none of these actions are expected to be taken to protect the riders from facing extreme heat on Thursday, when temperatures of up to 35\u00b0C are forecast at locations along the route, or later in the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Any decisions are made by the different stakeholders in the sport (the UCI, race organisers, teams and rider representative), plus the Safety Manager for the race. The rider&#8217;s CPA association and the AIGCP teams association may request action be taken but they can be outvoted in any pre-stage meeting, obliging the riders to race on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rules for extreme heat state: &#8220;If stakeholders cannot reach a consensus by the end of the meeting, the organiser, in agreement with the President of the UCI Commissaires panel, shall decide the actions to be taken.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e76be272-7b34-11f1-a6ed-a5acccb88f66\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Spectators lining up in the cooling water as riders pass at the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e76be2fe-7b34-11f1-9707-0bb6e45b3791\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cThis is the Tour, and in the Tour, anything goes,&#8221; former rider and now Soudal-QuickStep sports director Iljo Keisse told <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> after giving out hundreds of bidons of water and ice to his riders on yet another day where temperatures were over 35 \u00b0C for much of the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Veteran Soudal riders Dylan van Baarle and Jasper Stuyven were equally sceptical.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The High Temperature Protocol, switching dates, racing in the morning \u2013 What could the future of the Tour de France look like as summer temperatures continue to rise?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France stages 3 and 4 at risk of cancellation due to wildfires, heat<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;ASO doesn&#8217;t listen to the riders,&#8221; Van Baarle was quoted as saying when asked on <em>NOS<\/em> if Tour de France organiser ASO would perhaps consider shortening stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Most other riders have accepted the suffering of this year&#8217;s Tour and simply try to survive in the heat. They follow their team&#8217;s cooling protocol of ice socks on their necks, drinking slushies to cool their core temperature, constantly spraying water on their bodies and then jumping into an ice bath post-stage and carefully rehydrating.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Tuesday, the UCI announced that teams were allowed to hand out musettes filled with water bottles and ice on all categorised climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before Wednesday&#8217;s fifth stage they also quietly agreed that the feed zone will be open from kilometre ten and will end six kilometres from the finish. That basically allows teams to feed from any point along the road, so that riders can collect bidons and ice from roadside team staff, without having to constantly drop back into the team car convoy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We know very well that it can be like this in France and Spain during the summer,&#8221; Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) said after winning stage 4 to Foix on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s very difficult, but within the team we have a protocol to protect ourselves from the heat and adapt to the conditions. If the conditions were truly too bad, to the point of endangering the riders, we certainly wouldn\u2019t have raced.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost) is one of the three CPA riders association representatives at the Tour but told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> that the team chats have been quiet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is no sign of a protest or even a go slow in the heat, just lots of cooling tactics on hand to try and manage it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The protection of the riders and the public is paramount for me,&#8221; race director Christian Prudhomme said, promising more ice will be made available to the teams and riders.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e1ff8aa-7b38-11f1-979f-01fa8294caf5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3CCmsgV6sDgU5yLthueHtn.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Stephen Farrand<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Editor-at-large<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Stephen is one of the most experienced members of the <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. Before becoming Editor-at-large, he was Head of News at <em>Cyclingnews.<\/em> He has previously worked for <em>Shift Active Media, Reuters<\/em> and <em>Cycling Weekly. <\/em>He is a member of the Board of the Association Internationale des Journalistes du Cyclisme (AIJC).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s always been hot at the Tour de France but it&#8217;s never this hot&#8217; &#8211; Riders set to face temperatures of 37\u00b0C at stage 4 finish in Foix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You may decide to cancel a stage&#8217; \u2013\u00a0French regions will be authorised to call off Tour de France stages if extreme heatwaves hit the race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The High Temperature Protocol, switching dates, racing in the morning \u2013 What could the future of the Tour de France look like as summer temperatures continue to rise?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France stages 3 and 4 at risk of cancellation due to wildfires, heat<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bMtR6cZLdgHbhtMvNbo2hH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: First bunch sprint of Tour de France ends with a dominant win after chaotic run-in<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/myRfrtXmEJ6za5ZmAWaEF4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iCye566gTNm59NR25rPXSW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sGA3QBmZQ8wsk8qq2kpxiJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bx2uiiQqS7bV7GiYQRdav3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Iconic roadside fan Didi the Devil robbed at Tour de France start in Barcelona<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c47wcaVBpanyEwjuSYTXP9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;ve been able to set some goals&#8217; \u2013 Neilson Powless makes racing return after five months of rehabilitation following knee surgery<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9FYNiUqUfGmpDreQ7mQCqE.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The key moment of this first week&#8217; \u2013 Teenage Tour de France star Seixas heads into unknown on first high mountain stage as GC bid gets going fully<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Probably the lightest I&#8217;ve ever seen him&#8217; \u2013 Red Bull full of confidence in extremely lean Remco Evenepoel ahead of first Tour de France mountain stage<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;We&#8217;re confident&#8217;- Decathlon CMA CGM shrug off rival bids to sign Tour de France super talent Paul Seixas<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Jonas Vingegaard avoids Tour de France disaster, scrambles to finish on teammate&#8217;s bike after late crash chaos<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Tour de France: Olav Kooij shines in debut with victory on stage 5 in Pau<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Tour de France enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\"><span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nStephen Farrand <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\"><span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-07-09T02:41:38Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Temperatures up to 35\u00b0C and a risk of thunderstorms forecast for stage 6, which takes race over Col du Tourmalet<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-9f5620ec-7b2f-11f1-b38b-c9fbe47fdf97\">The Tour de France riders face another day of racing in &#8216;red zone&#8217; extreme heat when they head into the Pyrenees on Thursday. The race and the show that is the Tour de France, however, will go on, with most riders and teams accepting another day of suffering.<\/p>\n<p>Stage 6 starts in Pau, on the hot plains of southwestern France, before climbing the Col du Tourmalet and finishing in the high valley town of Gavarnie-G\u00e8dre close to the border with Spain, where thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon. Local orange weather alerts are in place across the Hautes-Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es region of France, with warnings that &#8216;dangerous weather events are expected&#8217; and calls to be &#8216;be very vigilant.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-9f5620ec-7b2f-11f1-b38b-c9fbe47fdf97-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em>Cyclingnews<\/em> has seen the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol forecasts for parts of the stage and there are multiple red zone forecasts. The calculations are made using a Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) climatic index, that combines the air temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind speed on human body temperature to understand the conditions the riders face during a race.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Several sections of road early in stage 6 will be above 28\u00b0C, the number designated in UCI regulations to be a &#8216;high risk.&#8217;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Red zone numbers can allow the modification of the stage start time, the neutralisation of a long section of the stage, such as a long climb exposed to the sun, and even eventual cancellation of the stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LLLQ9FMvzwQzCS7VB6bHhW-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It&#8217;s always been hot at the Tour de France but it&#8217;s never this hot&#8217; &#8211; Riders set to face temperatures of 37\u00b0C at stage 4 finish in Foix<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cshuGoPwjDL8CALdp773uN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Storms spark mudslides on controversial Tour de France stage route to Col de Sarenne near Alpe d&#8217;Huez<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UMip5RAMUnuT4WBaafcgde-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;You may decide to cancel a stage&#8217; \u2013\u00a0French regions will be authorised to call off Tour de France stages if extreme heatwaves hit the race<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However none of these actions are expected to be taken to protect the riders from facing extreme heat on Thursday, when temperatures of up to 35\u00b0C are forecast at locations along the route, or later in the Tour.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Any decisions are made by the different stakeholders in the sport (the UCI, race organisers, teams and rider representative), plus the Safety Manager for the race. The rider&#8217;s CPA association and the AIGCP teams association may request action be taken but they can be outvoted in any pre-stage meeting, obliging the riders to race on.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zYTwRv5E9ZvYv8ctMXqwMW slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">The rules for extreme heat state: &#8220;If stakeholders cannot reach a consensus by the end of the meeting, the organiser, in agreement with the President of the UCI Commissaires panel, shall decide the actions to be taken.&#8217;<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout kiosq-b\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-e76be272-7b34-11f1-a6ed-a5acccb88f66\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Ur74UufFkkNNytAiDvr6ei-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Spectators lining up in the cooling water as riders pass at the Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e76be2fe-7b34-11f1-9707-0bb6e45b3791\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cThis is the Tour, and in the Tour, anything goes,&#8221; former rider and now Soudal-QuickStep sports director Iljo Keisse told <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> after giving out hundreds of bidons of water and ice to his riders on yet another day where temperatures were over 35 \u00b0C for much of the stage.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Veteran Soudal riders Dylan van Baarle and Jasper Stuyven were equally sceptical.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gfAaSpgaBD5eiD77JQmbFF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">The High Temperature Protocol, switching dates, racing in the morning \u2013 What could the future of the Tour de France look like as summer temperatures continue to rise?<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dsZGdndajojLeSzFnUMC9E-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France stages 3 and 4 at risk of cancellation due to wildfires, heat<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JCHyrfLhfcAJ3Us2NHus77-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over from Tadej Poga\u010dar<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;ASO doesn&#8217;t listen to the riders,&#8221; Van Baarle was quoted as saying when asked on <em>NOS<\/em> if Tour de France organiser ASO would perhaps consider shortening stages.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Most other riders have accepted the suffering of this year&#8217;s Tour and simply try to survive in the heat. They follow their team&#8217;s cooling protocol of ice socks on their necks, drinking slushies to cool their core temperature, constantly spraying water on their bodies and then jumping into an ice bath post-stage and carefully rehydrating.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Tuesday, the UCI announced that teams were allowed to hand out musettes filled with water bottles and ice on all categorised climbs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Before Wednesday&#8217;s fifth stage they also quietly agreed that the feed zone will be open from kilometre ten and will end six kilometres from the finish. That basically allows teams to feed from any point along the road, so that riders can collect bidons and ice from roadside team staff, without having to constantly drop back into the team car convoy.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;We know very well that it can be like this in France and Spain during the summer,&#8221; Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) said after winning stage 4 to Foix on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It\u2019s very difficult, but within the team we have a protocol to protect ourselves from the heat and adapt to the conditions. If the conditions were truly too bad, to the point of endangering the riders, we certainly wouldn\u2019t have raced.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Kasper Asgreen (EF Education-EasyPost) is one of the three CPA riders association representatives at the Tour but told <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> that the team chats have been quiet.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">There is no sign of a protest or even a go slow in the heat, just lots of cooling tactics on hand to try and manage it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The protection of the riders and the public is paramount for me,&#8221; race director Christian Prudhomme said, promising more ice will be made available to the teams and riders.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1e1ff8aa-7b38-11f1-979f-01fa8294caf5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go!<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Find out more<\/strong><\/em><em><strong>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/tour-de-france-enters-the-extreme-weather-protocol-red-zone-but-the-show-will-go-on\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-2000-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Tour de France GC standings \u2013 Torstein Tr\u00e6en keeps yellow for another day after no major time gaps declared in hectic stage 5 finish 2 UCI bans ice socks in skinsuits at the Tour de France 3 As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2034134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2034134"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034134\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2034134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2034134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2034134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}