Tour de France leader Tadej Pogačar has called for a fundamental restructuring of the professional cycling calendar to avoid racing in peak summer heat, arguing that earlier stage start times alone will not solve the problem. His comments follow the shortening of stage nine by 30 kilometres due to an extreme heat warning.
The Cyclistes Professionnels Associés riders' union has proposed adjusting start times during sudden heatwaves. Pogačar said a 10 a.m. start is insufficient and suggested races should begin as early as 8 a.m. but ultimately wants the calendar shifted so top events avoid hot regions in July and August altogether.
Pogačar holds a 2-minute-42-second lead over Jonas Vingegaard after nine stages.