Tadej Pogacar is also struggling with the extreme heat at the Tour de France. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Heatwave debate: Pogacar would change everything

In the debate about how the Tour de France should deal with the extreme heat, cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar has proposed major changes.

July 13, 2026

From: dpa/dl

“If I had the power, I would completely change the calendar and not race in hot locations in July and August,” the Slovenian said after the ninth stage in Ussel, as reported by several media outlets. “I would create a completely different calendar, but that’s not within my power.”

The stage in the Massif Central was shortened by 30 kilometers by the organizers due to the ongoing heat wave in France, with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius. It has been very hot since the start of the Tour. This has sparked discussions about solutions to the problem – such as early morning starts.

“I would completely change the calendar and not travel to hot places in July and August.” Tadej pogacar

“Perhaps the next step is to start the stages earlier. Yesterday there was a suggestion to start at 10:00 a.m., but that doesn't change anything because you still finish in the heat,” said Pogacar. “You have to start at 8:00 or 9:00 a.m., or even earlier. It's a bit of a pain, but I think the body can get used to getting up at 5:00 a.m. and riding a stage at 8:00 a.m..” Overall, however, the teams have adapted well to the temperatures.