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Riders Urge Early Starts as Record Heat Threatens Tour

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Riders and their union are urging the Tour de France to start stages in the early morning to protect cyclists and spectators from record-breaking heat.
Technical director Thierry Gouvenou says heat is a major concern and that extended feed zones and cold-drink motorbikes may be insufficient.
Medical director Emilio Magni warned heatstroke can cause brain temperature-regulation failure, citing Elisa Longo Borghini’s ten-minute loss in the Tour de Suisse.

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Story summary

Riders and their union are urging the Tour de France to start stages in the early morning to protect cyclists and spectators from record-breaking heat.
Technical director Thierry Gouvenou says heat is a major concern and that extended feed zones and cold-drink motorbikes may be insufficient.
Medical director Emilio Magni warned heatstroke can cause brain temperature-regulation failure, citing Elisa Longo Borghini’s ten-minute loss in the Tour de Suisse.