Tour de France leader urges calendar overhaul to tackle heat

Tour de France leader Tadej Pogačar has called for a radical redesign of professional cycling’s global calendar to address the sport’s growing struggle with extreme heat, a demand amplified by a scorching first week of racing that saw a stage shortened due to a red heat alert. The Slovenian star’s comments follow the completion of a shortened Stage 9 on July 12, won by Mathieu van der Poel, as riders continue to battle a persistent heatwave that has defined this year’s race.

Speaking after the stage, which was reduced by 30 kilometers due to dangerous temperatures in France’s Corrèze department, Pogačar outlined his vision for change. "If I could have the power to change it all, I would change all the calendar," he said. "I would not race in July and August in the hot places and do a completely different calendar, but that’s something that you need to think through very well." The four-time Tour winner acknowledged the proposal was beyond his control but stressed the urgency of the discussion.

Pogačar expressed skepticism about simply moving stage start times earlier, a measure often proposed. He referenced a suggestion to begin at 10 a.m., arguing it would still see riders...