UCI sets new measures for extreme heat to protect riders

Cycling's governing body is bolstering rider health and safety with a High Temperature Protocol being introduced during the first part of the season, the UCI has confirmed.

Professional cycle races are seen as especially vulnerable to a warming climate especially with the three Grand Tours taking place in the European summer.

"The High Temperature Protocol aims to respond to the fact that in the coming years, road cycling competitions will be organised in increasingly severe climatic conditions, leading to a growing risk of heat-related accidents," a statement said.

The new guidelines, approved by the UCI Management Committee, complement the Extreme Weather Protocol adopted in 2015 that covers all weather-related issues, not simply heat.

They include specific conditions that trigger an emergency meeting with all race stakeholders and define five temperature zones in which risk prevention should take place.

A range of counter-measures open to race organisers in extreme heat situations will include moving start zones to shaded areas, increasing the number of re-fuelling motorbikes, and the possibility of changing start times and neutralising sections of stages.

The High Temperature Protocol will apply to UCI WorldTour, UCI Women's WorldTour and UCI ProSeries events.