Tour de France at Risk: Rising Heat Threatens Race

The Tour de France, the world's oldest and most prestigious cycling race, faces a growing threat from climate change. Scientists at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health have conducted a study analyzing climate data from 1974 to 2023. Their findings indicate that the risk of heat stress for athletes has increased significantly over the decades.

Researchers observed that cities such as Paris have crossed the high-risk heat threshold multiple times, particularly in recent years. While historically the race has been fortunate, the increasing frequency of record-breaking heatwaves suggests it is only a matter of time before the Tour encounters extreme heat conditions that will test current safety protocols.

The study utilized the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which combines air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind. Dangerous heat levels have become most common around Toulouse, Pau, Bordeaux, Nîmes, and Perpignan. Paris and Lyon are identified as new heat stress hotspots, necessitating extra caution when planning future stages.

While mountain stage locations like the Col du Tourmalet have remained at lower risk, urban and lowland areas are showing concerning trends. The researchers recommend reconsidering race schedules, routes, and safety protocols to adapt to these changing environmental conditions. The Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global temperature rise, underscores the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on major sporting events.