Protests in the Tour de France peloton growing louder due to extreme heat: 'ASO doesn’t listen to the riders'

It’s sweltering in France, and that’s having an impact on the Tour de France. The organisers have already taken action: riders were allowed to receive water bottles along virtually the entire route. But that’s not enough, according to several key figures in the peloton. Resistance to racing in the heat seems to be growing.

It was almost a matter of having to intervene when the temperature rose toward 40 degrees Celsius on Tuesday during Stage 4. Together with the UCI, ASO, the organiser of the Tour de France, decided that riders could receive refreshments along virtually the entire route. That measure would also apply to Wednesday’s stage.

Still, word from the peloton was that this wasn’t enough. Dylan van Baarle spoke out strongly to NOS. “We have a heat protocol, but I think it’s tucked away in some far corner. Is this still responsible? That’s a good question… I don’t think so,” the Dutch rider stated firmly after the conclusion of Stage Four.

He certainly wasn’t the only one to speak out. Matteo Trentin told Wielerflits: “It’s really time for all of us to sit down together and discuss how we’re going to handle this in the future. This is unhealthy. I don’t know if it’s unsafe, but in any case, it’s not healthy.” This reignited the discussion about just how unhealthy it is to simply race.

There was resistance even from the team managers. Take Iljo Keisse of Soudal Quick-Step, who told Het Nieuwsblad: “It’s crazy. I hardly ever watch the race on TV. I didn’t know in detail today who was in the breakaway. It’s just about handing out water the whole time.” But, as the Belgian noted: “This is the Tour, and in the Tour, anything goes.”

This is in line with the comments made by Jasper Stuyven, also of Soudal Quick-Step. Regarding the possibility of shortening stages, the Belgian said: “I don’t think ASO is open to that. I wouldn’t count on it with those guys. It would have to come from the (riders’ union) CPA, but it’s really a waste of energy. ASO doesn’t listen to the riders.” Strong words, indeed.

And yet, according to Van Baarle, shortening the rides is actually the solution. “We could probably keep racing for another two to three hours in this heat, but it’s not just about us, you know. At some point, there won’t be any more water or ice left in the car either. After two to three hours, it really is irresponsible.”

The way things are going now, Jonas Rickaert says, it’s simply impossible. “The only thing we can do is cool down—as much and as often as possible. And preferably from the inside, with ice slurries (crushed ice) or cold water. Other than that, there’s ice on the neck, in those nylon stockings. I’ve seen all kinds of things, even plastic bags. As long as there’s ice in it and you can drape it around your neck.'

We'll have to wait and see what the ASO does with this clear message...