UCI updates its Extreme Weather Protocol with addition of High Temperature Protocol

The international cycling union has permanently adjusted the protocol for extreme weather conditions. The UCI wants to respond to the increasing heat due to climate change.

The current Extreme Weather Protocol has been in existence in cycling since 2015 and covers all weather conditions. Due to the recent development of climate change, the UCI wants a better definition for this protocol in extreme heat, as it became clear at the end of last year. The cycling union therefore came up with a proposal to expand the Extreme Weather Protocol with a special protocol for extremely high temperatures.

The so-called 'High Temperature Protocol' is therefore an addition to the current Extreme Weather Protocol and has now been approved by the UCI Management Committee. "In the coming years, more and more competitions will be organized in increasingly difficult climatic conditions," the UCI said in a press release. "It will only increase the risk of incidents due to the heat."

The new protocol includes the creation of five different temperature zones: white, green, yellow, orange and red. Furthermore, numerous possible measures are suggested. Consider moving the starting zone to a shady place, delivering cold drinks and ice to teams during competitions, more motorcycles with water bottles, adjusting the starting time and possibly neutralizing certain parts of the competition.