{"id":2039918,"date":"2026-07-12T13:19:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T10:19:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2039918"},"modified":"2026-07-12T13:19:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T10:19:37","slug":"time-limit-extended-on-tour-de-france-stage-9-as-cpa-says-start-times-must-evolve-in-order-to-protect-athletes-health-amid-extreme-heat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2039918","title":{"rendered":"Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-2500-80.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\/2V967amJnedskdrpB7C2bh-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2V967amJnedskdrpB7C2bh-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                                    &#8216;Thanks to the GC contenders for this respect&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says agreement has been reached by favourites to sit at the back and stay safe on Tour de France sprint finishes\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\/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\">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                                    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=\"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\/386TMaXdZFb92USQytLW6o-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/386TMaXdZFb92USQytLW6o-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: Long-range attack and crash sees the yellow jersey change hands on mountainous stage 6 of the Tour de France.\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>Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-12T13:19:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders&#8217; union &#8216;requests activation of the protocol in case of extreme weather conditions, secures agreement on the future decision-making process&#8217; as high temperatures continue to blight Tour<\/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\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-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\">Stage 9 started under temperatures in the high 30s<\/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-1d8cff94-7df1-11f1-b8d0-11ea83272ff4\">The time limit has been extended on stage 9 of the Tour de France, which has already been shortened by 30km, as the CPA stepped in to request that more measures be taken in line with the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol.<\/p>\n<p>Tour organisers ASO announced on Saturday evening that Sunday&#8217;s stage would be shortened amidst a red weather warning in the Corr\u00e8ze region, but did not initially make any other changes under the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d8cff94-7df1-11f1-b8d0-11ea83272ff4-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Under the protocol, as the temperatures rise through different zones and levels on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index (WBGT), organisers are recommended to provide extra shade, cooling and hydration, and possibly shorten, alter or cancel stages. On Sunday, WBGT temperatures in central France are in the protocol&#8217;s yellow to orange zone, with standard temperatures reaching 38\u00ba C.<\/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\">The CPA, the main UCI-affiliated riders&#8217; union, released a statement on Sunday morning after further discussions with ASO to activate further measures in response to the heat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA considers the decision to shorten the stage to be understandable and responsible given the weather conditions,&#8221; a statement read.<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-150-80.png.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\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/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\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-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 enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme heat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;However, this situation once again highlights the need to fully implement the extreme weather conditions protocol.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a result, the agreed change was to extend the time limit on Sunday, in addition to the changes ASO have already made, such as allowing more feeding and bottle hand-ups during the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7 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\">&#8220;During the meeting, in consultation with the president of the jury and the race organization, the CPA also obtained an additional 2% increase to the time limits, in recognition of the exceptional conditions the riders are facing,&#8221; the CPA said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a stage designated as hilly, which stage 9 is, the time limit is between 14% and 18% depending on the average speed of the day, so it could be up to 20% at the end of the stage. This will be good news for riders like Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) who were dropped very early on Sunday as the road went up straight from the start.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As well as immediate measures for stage 9, the CPA says it has agreed with the UCI and ASO to have further involvement in decisions going forward as high heats persist at the Tour, and called for longer-term solutions to be discussed over the winter.<\/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\/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-2-2\" 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\/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<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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Following the discussions, it was agreed that, going forward, all parties would systematically meet to make race-related decisions whenever such difficult weather conditions endanger the riders&#8217; health,&#8221; its statement read.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Given the increasing frequency of extreme heat waves, the CPA reaffirms that summer race start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health. Riders remain fully committed to putting on the best possible show, but this must go hand in hand with adapting to the climate realities that cycling now faces.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA urgently calls for discussions to be held with all stakeholders this winter, in order to find a solution before the 2027 season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-320-80.png.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\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/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\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-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 enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme 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\/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\/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>\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\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-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: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-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 three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme 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\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-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\">S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold slams Biniam Girmay for Tour de France sprint intimidation<\/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\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-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;If I see how I sprinted, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay accepts that Tim Merlier is fastest in the Tour de France sprints<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-320-80.png.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\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-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;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.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 wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-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;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense 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\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-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;I couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-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 three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme 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>\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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.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;We wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/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;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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;I couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\">Tour de France: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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>Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-12T13:19:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders&#8217; union &#8216;requests activation of the protocol in case of extreme weather conditions, secures agreement on the future decision-making process&#8217; as high temperatures continue to blight Tour<\/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\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1600-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-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\">Stage 9 started under temperatures in the high 30s<\/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-1d8cff94-7df1-11f1-b8d0-11ea83272ff4\">The time limit has been extended on stage 9 of the Tour de France, which has already been shortened by 30km, as the CPA stepped in to request that more measures be taken in line with the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol.<\/p>\n<p>Tour organisers ASO announced on Saturday evening that Sunday&#8217;s stage would be shortened amidst a red weather warning in the Corr\u00e8ze region, but did not initially make any other changes under the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d8cff94-7df1-11f1-b8d0-11ea83272ff4-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Under the protocol, as the temperatures rise through different zones and levels on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index (WBGT), organisers are recommended to provide extra shade, cooling and hydration, and possibly shorten, alter or cancel stages. On Sunday, WBGT temperatures in central France are in the protocol&#8217;s yellow to orange zone, with standard temperatures reaching 38\u00ba C.<\/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\">The CPA, the main UCI-affiliated riders&#8217; union, released a statement on Sunday morning after further discussions with ASO to activate further measures in response to the heat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA considers the decision to shorten the stage to be understandable and responsible given the weather conditions,&#8221; a statement read.<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-150-80.png.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\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/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\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-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 enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme heat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;However, this situation once again highlights the need to fully implement the extreme weather conditions protocol.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a result, the agreed change was to extend the time limit on Sunday, in addition to the changes ASO have already made, such as allowing more feeding and bottle hand-ups during the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7 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\">&#8220;During the meeting, in consultation with the president of the jury and the race organization, the CPA also obtained an additional 2% increase to the time limits, in recognition of the exceptional conditions the riders are facing,&#8221; the CPA said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a stage designated as hilly, which stage 9 is, the time limit is between 14% and 18% depending on the average speed of the day, so it could be up to 20% at the end of the stage. This will be good news for riders like Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) who were dropped very early on Sunday as the road went up straight from the start.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As well as immediate measures for stage 9, the CPA says it has agreed with the UCI and ASO to have further involvement in decisions going forward as high heats persist at the Tour, and called for longer-term solutions to be discussed over the winter.<\/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\/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-2-2\" 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\/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<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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Following the discussions, it was agreed that, going forward, all parties would systematically meet to make race-related decisions whenever such difficult weather conditions endanger the riders&#8217; health,&#8221; its statement read.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Given the increasing frequency of extreme heat waves, the CPA reaffirms that summer race start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health. Riders remain fully committed to putting on the best possible show, but this must go hand in hand with adapting to the climate realities that cycling now faces.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA urgently calls for discussions to be held with all stakeholders this winter, in order to find a solution before the 2027 season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-320-80.png.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\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/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\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-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 enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme 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\/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\/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>\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\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4but3EMXeeA2xdQ4Ry49zL-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: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-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 three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme 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\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7uw3Gv6VF6kHv82oVzyViK-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\">S\u00f8ren W\u00e6renskjold slams Biniam Girmay for Tour de France sprint intimidation<\/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\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/s2HDzWqTXMWF9fp2dy8ieX-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;If I see how I sprinted, it&#8217;s crazy&#8217; &#8211; Biniam Girmay accepts that Tim Merlier is fastest in the Tour de France sprints<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-320-80.png.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\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/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\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UCc5o7qeEXMN4Tkv4qPf9L-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;The Tour is daunting, but we&#8217;re in the fight&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France &#8216;newbies&#8217; Caja Rural-Seguros RGA push hard to justify wildcard status<\/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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.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 wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/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\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/U8NcnosuGJFvw5P7FMD2gQ-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;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense 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\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/q8pkrsdAaUJYRiybkGipaH-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;I couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kdGipALERGNYkWpRfaZur-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 three or four richest teams hoover up all the best young riders&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France director backs salary cap for professional cycling<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme 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>\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\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tBYDkUc98XiwczqrNNyMy5.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;We wanted to calm things down&#8217; &#8211; UAE team management justify the decision to keep Tour de France stage 9 break on ultra-tight leash<\/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;I would change the whole calendar&#8217; &#8211; Tour de France leader Tadej Poga\u010dar argues for an end to summer racing in places with intense heat<\/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;I couldn&#8217;t change gear&#8217; \u2013 Tom Pidcock explains electronic shifter issues that hampered sprint from Tour de France breakaway<\/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\">Tour de France: Massive turn of power nets Mathieu van der Poel stage 9 breakaway victory just ahead of bunch sprint<\/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\">Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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>Time limit extended on Tour de France stage 9 as CPA says &#8216;start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health&#8217; amid extreme heat<\/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 \/>\nMatilda Price <\/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=\"2026-07-12T13:19:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n12 July 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Riders&#8217; union &#8216;requests activation of the protocol in case of extreme weather conditions, secures agreement on the future decision-making process&#8217; as high temperatures continue to blight Tour<\/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 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-1d8cff94-7df1-11f1-b8d0-11ea83272ff4\">The time limit has been extended on stage 9 of the Tour de France, which has already been shortened by 30km, as the CPA stepped in to request that more measures be taken in line with the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol.<\/p>\n<p>Tour organisers ASO announced on Saturday evening that Sunday&#8217;s stage would be shortened amidst a red weather warning in the Corr\u00e8ze region, but did not initially make any other changes under the UCI Extreme Weather Protocol.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1d8cff94-7df1-11f1-b8d0-11ea83272ff4-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Under the protocol, as the temperatures rise through different zones and levels on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index (WBGT), organisers are recommended to provide extra shade, cooling and hydration, and possibly shorten, alter or cancel stages. On Sunday, WBGT temperatures in central France are in the protocol&#8217;s yellow to orange zone, with standard temperatures reaching 38\u00ba C.<\/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\">The CPA, the main UCI-affiliated riders&#8217; union, released a statement on Sunday morning after further discussions with ASO to activate further measures in response to the heat.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA considers the decision to shorten the stage to be understandable and responsible given the weather conditions,&#8221; a statement read.<\/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\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QGmapoaRyeG4MvvSLgcM29-150-80.png.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\">Stage 9 of Tour de France shortened amid &#8216;red alert&#8217; heatwave warning in central France<\/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\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Auh4iSETkaCo6LGmpwFvj-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 enters the Extreme Weather Protocol red zone but the show will go on<\/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\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/K2ohwnwqHVXQD9kF6nrXjd-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;Not a lot of other things they can do&#8217; \u2013 Tour de France stage winner Merlier welcomes shortening of stage 9 amid extreme heat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;However, this situation once again highlights the need to fully implement the extreme weather conditions protocol.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As a result, the agreed change was to extend the time limit on Sunday, in addition to the changes ASO have already made, such as allowing more feeding and bottle hand-ups during the race.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-c4DPwernTx5hZ86QFX4mG7 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\">&#8220;During the meeting, in consultation with the president of the jury and the race organization, the CPA also obtained an additional 2% increase to the time limits, in recognition of the exceptional conditions the riders are facing,&#8221; the CPA said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On a stage designated as hilly, which stage 9 is, the time limit is between 14% and 18% depending on the average speed of the day, so it could be up to 20% at the end of the stage. This will be good news for riders like Tim Merlier (Soudal-QuickStep) who were dropped very early on Sunday as the road went up straight from the start.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As well as immediate measures for stage 9, the CPA says it has agreed with the UCI and ASO to have further involvement in decisions going forward as high heats persist at the Tour, and called for longer-term solutions to be discussed over the winter.<\/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\/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-2-2\" 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\/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<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\/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<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Following the discussions, it was agreed that, going forward, all parties would systematically meet to make race-related decisions whenever such difficult weather conditions endanger the riders&#8217; health,&#8221; its statement read.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Given the increasing frequency of extreme heat waves, the CPA reaffirms that summer race start times must evolve in order to protect athletes&#8217; health. Riders remain fully committed to putting on the best possible show, but this must go hand in hand with adapting to the climate realities that cycling now faces.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The CPA urgently calls for discussions to be held with all stakeholders this winter, in order to find a solution before the 2027 season.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p 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><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/time-limit-extended-on-tour-de-france-stage-9-as-cpa-says-start-times-must-evolve-in-order-to-protect-athletes-health-amid-extreme-heat\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/m8QrqWbp7qM99TGJDpCmPH-2500-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 &#8216;Thanks to the GC contenders for this respect&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar says agreement has been reached by favourites to sit at the back and stay safe on Tour de France sprint finishes 2 As it happened: former World Champion wins Tour de France stage 4 as new race leader takes over [&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-2039918","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\/2039918","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=2039918"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2039918\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2039918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2039918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2039918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}