AURILLAC — Since the Tour de France began in Barcelona 10 days ago, there has almost been more talk about the extreme heat than the race itself.
Despite the mercury never having dipped below 30C—and often having gone over 40C—since the start of the race, the riders themselves have been coping admirably.
A variety of cooling and hydration methods have been in evidence such as ice vests, ice socks and even cooling mattresses—but more often than not, it involves a rider just emptying a bottle of water over their head.
In the midst of a heatwave the job of keeping riders cool and hydrated has become the main issue facing every team—far more so than race tactics.
“They say: the good generals talk about strategy and the great ones talk about logistics, right?” EF Education-Easy Post head sports director Charly Wegelius told AFP.
“It’s a massive logistical challenge to try to keep the riders cool with all of the constraints there are, to get them ice, to get the ice, to get it through to them, to try and keep them cool.
In the midst of a heatwave the job of keeping riders cool and hydrated has become the main issue facing every team—far more so than race tactics.
“They say: the good generals talk about strategy and the great ones talk about logistics, right?” EF Education-Easy Post head sports director Charly Wegelius told AFP.
“It’s a massive logistical challenge to try to keep the riders cool with all of the constraints there are, to get them ice, to get the ice, to get it through to them, to try and keep them cool.
