The UCI Implements Hot Weather Protocols for Rider Safety: Countermeasures to Combat Associated Risks to Cyclists

The UCI Implements Hot Weather Protocols for Rider Safety: Countermeasures to Combat Associated Risks to Cyclists

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body of cycling, announced in December that they would be introducing new High Temperature Protocols for road racing. These regulations have now been officially published by the governing body. We have set out below what these changes will mean and how it will impact riders.  

The new regulations divide the various temperature zones by risk to rider safety, using the wet-bulb globe temperature.  

The UCI have then suggested several countermeasures to combat these risks based on their severity. 

What has prompted these changes in measures? 

There have been several incidents over the past few years where teams have been forced to race in hot temperatures, with no official protocols in place to combat the effects of high temperatures.  

Last year’s Tour de France was a prime example of this, where riders faced an extreme heatwave and were forced to ride in temperatures nearing 40°C. 

How do the new measure work? 

Wet-bulb glove temperature – A measure of heat stress to a human when in direct sunlight.

The risk assessment can be expressed in the form of a colour code:

White Zone – Below 15°C – Very low risk – No specific countermeasures. 

Green Zone – Between 15°C and 17.9°C – Low risk – Warm up in the shade with fans, skin protection with non-greasy suncreams, light coloured clothing, normal hydration plan.  

Yellow Zone – Between 18°C and 22.9°C – Moderate low risk – Warm up with ice vests, use of fresh towels, application of strict individualised hydration plans, ice socks, supply of ice to teams during the race.  

Orange Zone – Between 23°C and 27.9°C – Moderate high risk – Keep start area in the shade, protect officials, increase number of neutral motorbikes providing riders with drinks and ice packs, adapt the rules that limit hydration and cooling in during competition.  

Red Zone – Above 28°C – High risk – Modification of start and finish times, possible neutralisation of a section or cancellation of the stage/race. 

The introduction of these new High Temperature Protocols marks a significant step forward in prioritising rider safety during cycling events, mitigating the dangers posed by extreme heat, which is becoming more and more prevalent with climate change.