Extreme heat forces Belgian time trial organisers to rethink race day

With the races taking place in Maarkedal during the hottest part of the day, Belgian Cycling and the local organisers are introducing several measures designed to help riders control their body temperature. These include an unusual mid race cooling station, possible sprinklers along the course and additional shaded areas at the start and finish.

“Our heat protocol has been active throughout the week,” Belgian Cycling sporting director Massimo Van Lancker told Sporza. “We are going to create a kind of feeding zone halfway around the course.”

The elite men will complete two laps of the local circuit, allowing them to pass the cooling station twice. Riders will be able to collect water, ice or wet sponges without interrupting their effort.

“We want to give the riders the opportunity to take ice, water or a sponge to help them cool down,” Van Lancker said.

Sprinklers could also be installed at selected points, provided the locations are suitable from a logistical and safety perspective. Using them will remain optional, with riders free to pass through the water or choose a dry line.

“Together with the organisers, we are looking at creating sprinkler zones in places where that is logistically possible,” Van Lancker explained. “Riders who want to pass underneath them can cool themselves down. They can also ride around them, so nobody will be forced to use them.”

Moving the races to the cooler morning hours was not considered realistic. More than 100 riders are expected across the elite men’s, elite women’s and non professional categories, making the starting schedule difficult to reorganise.

“The starting order is already a puzzle,” Van Lancker said. “We have the elite men and women, as well as the elite riders without a contract. In total, we are talking about more than 100 competitors, so moving everything to the morning would be extremely difficult.”

The first riders will therefore begin at 1pm, with much of the competition taking place during the hottest hours of the afternoon.

Extra shade will be provided around the start and finish areas for riders, officials and event staff. Cold water will also be available immediately after the finish to help competitors begin the cooling process as quickly as possible.

“We will create as many shaded areas as possible at the start and finish,” Van Lancker said. “That is not only for the riders, but also for the staff. There will also be plenty of cold water available specifically for the riders after they finish.”

Riders may use ice vests and other cooling equipment during their warm-up and until they reach the starting platform. They cannot carry ice inside their skinsuits during the race, however, as UCI regulations prevent clothing from being modified in ways that could influence aerodynamics.

“Riders can use ice and ice vests until they reach the start platform,” Van Lancker explained. “Under UCI regulations, they are not allowed to race with them. You cannot alter the shape of the skinsuit in a way that affects aerodynamics.”

With defending champion Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert absent, Tim Wellens, Ilan Van Wilder and Alec Segaert are expected to be among the main contenders for the Belgian title.