Tour de France heatwave threatens stages as Pogačar eyes fifth victory

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar enters the Tour de France as the top favourite, looking to secure a fifth overall win. Analysts note his main challenges will be staying healthy and matching the form of rivals such as Jonas Vingegaard, rather than any specific competitor.

Organisers warn that an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures forecast up to 44 °C in parts of France and Spain, could force alterations to the race. Technical director Thierry Gouvenou said, “This is a question that worries us a lot,” adding that the situation is more severe than previous weather‑related disruptions. Race director Christian Prudhomme noted that while stages can be shortened or starts moved earlier, “we cannot sort this out at the last minute.” Additional measures include extra water support and the use of motorbikes to carry cooling drinks for riders.