UCI to introduce new measures for 2024 season to combat hot weather conditions for cyclists
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Updated 22/12/2023 at 14:01 GMT
Cycling’s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has announced a series of new measures to curb the effects of high temperatures on competitors at cycling events. A panel will be given the power to change a race to reduce the demands on riders placed upon them by extreme weather conditions. The UCI management committee is planning to ratify the changes at the end of January.
'It was uncomfortable for everyone' - Romain Bardet on the heat at the Tour de France
Cycling’s governing body will introduce new rules in order to help protect riders in high temperatures.
The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) hopes that the new protocol will decrease the number of accidents related to high heat.
A panel will be given the authority to take action when they believe humidity and temperatures pose a risk to rider health.
The changes build upon 2015’s extreme weather protocol, which was meant to address extreme weather, not limited to hot conditions.
Potential changes they could make would be moving the starting zone to be under shade, change race start times, and amending or delaying sections of races.
As well as the introduction of the panel, race organisers could supply teams with cold drinks, ice, and increase the number of motorbikes that offer refuelling supplies.
The UCI management committee is planning to ratify the changes at the end of January next year, meaning the regulations will be in place for the new season.
In a statement, the UCI announced: "In view of the climate changes that the world has been facing in recent years, the UCI wishes to better define the optimal conditions for organising road races in hot climates, with a new high-temperature protocol."
Other sports have introduced similar measures, with the Australian Open allowing for matches to be suspended in extreme conditions, while football allows drinks breaks during play.
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