"I don't think anyone wants it on their conscience": Riders' Union in talks with Tour de France organisers to introduce early morning starts to beat extreme heat waves
Cycling
The Cyclistes Professionnels Associés (CPA), professional cycling's riders' union, is in discussions with Tour de France organisers about the possibility of starting selected stages earlier in the morning to reduce riders' exposure to extreme temperatures.
Morning starts considered for the hottest stages
According to CPA representative Staf Scheirlinckx, the proposal is now being taken seriously, although any changes would only be possible from next season onwards due to the logistical complexity of the current edition.
"This proposal is no longer untouchable," Scheirlinckx told WielerFlits. "We're talking about next year, because for this edition it's virtually impossible from a logistical point of view."
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Only stages passing through regions particularly prone to extreme heat would potentially begin earlier in the day, when temperatures are significantly lower. The CPA is also pushing for a flexible protocol that would allow organisers to react quickly if unexpectedly severe heat develops in other regions.
Scheirlinckx stressed that protecting riders' long-term health must be the priority, warning about the possible consequences of repeatedly competing in extreme conditions. "I don't think anyone wants it on their conscience that, in ten years' time, half the peloton is suffering from lung problems because they raced in extreme heat."
Tadej Pogacar taking shaded shelter during the heatwave of the 2026 Tour de France
Health concerns balanced against logistical problems
While advocating for changes, Scheirlinckx made it clear that cancelling stages is not viewed as a realistic solution. "Not holding the race isn't an option, because you're simply taking away people's work. It's a right to work."
Any adjustment to the Tour schedule would also have major commercial implications. Television broadcasts, sponsor commitments and the event's entire daily programme are built around afternoon racing, meaning that earlier starts would require significant coordination between organisers, broadcasters and commercial partners.
No decision has been made so far. Any eventual change would require agreement between the CPA, teams, Tour organisers (ASO) and the UCI, but Scheirlinckx believes rider welfare is increasingly becoming the decisive factor in those discussions.
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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