As extreme heat pummels the Tour de France, can cycling keep riders safe?

Tour de France riders are facing some of the hottest racing conditions in the event’s history. As a heatwave swept across western Europe last week, temperatures in southern France approached 40°C. Organisers shortened Stage 9 by 30 kilometres to reduce heat exposure. As climate change accelerates the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, questions are increasingly being asked about whether current approaches are sufficient. Cycling in the heat The Tour is held in France, with the start often…