Tour road official rejects criticism of white roads: ‘Riders shouldn’t think they are on an F1 circuit’
The pale coating seen across sections of the Tour de France route is intended to protect asphalt from extreme heat. After several riders lost grip during Stage 10, claims that the treatment created a safety hazard were rejected.
Make us your Google favourite
A white layer covering parts of the road became an unexpected source of controversy during Stage 10 of the Tour de France, after Tom Pidcock, Chris Harper (both Pinarello-Q36.5) and Matteo Jorgenson (Visma | Lease a Bike) crashed on the technical descent from Puy Mary.
Pidcock suggested the unfamiliar surface had contributed to his fall. Paul Seixas, who stayed upright and later finished third in Le Lioran, described the same descent as being “like an ice rink”.
Tour road coordinator André Bancala has now explained what the white substance is and rejected suggestions that it caused the crashes.
Why are parts of the Tour de France route white?
The treatment consists of lime mixed with water. Once applied, the liquid evaporates and leaves a thin white coating on the asphalt.
According to Bancala, the treatment is designed to reflect sunlight and reduce the temperature of vulnerable road surfaces.
“The coating reflects light. The aim is to keep the temperature below 50 degrees Celsius, which is a critical temperature for some surfaces,” Bancala told RTBF Sport.
At extreme temperatures, some types of asphalt can begin to soften. Heavy traffic, including the large number of vehicles travelling ahead of the peloton, can further damage the road or cause the surface to become unstable.
The limewash is therefore applied as a preventative measure, sometimes several days before the race arrives. This allows the water to evaporate and the remaining layer to settle before the riders pass.
Bancala said local authorities, rather than ASO alone, decide where the treatment is required. Road inspectors identify sections considered vulnerable to heat, with particular attention paid to bends, descents and other technically difficult areas.
The coating is not exclusively used for the Tour de France. According to Bancala, French road authorities are increasingly applying it during periods of intense heat because it uses less water than repeatedly cooling roads with water trucks.
No link between treatment and crashes
The measure became the focus of attention after Pidcock lost control during the descent from Puy Mary. His teammate Chris Harper also crashed in the same technical section, while Matteo Jorgenson came down in a similar area.
Pidcock was highly critical of the condition of the road after reaching the finish.
“They put all this white shit all over it and it makes it really slippery,” the British rider told Eurosport.
Bancala rejected the suggestion that the limewash itself had made the road dangerous.
“It is not slippery in itself,” the Tour road coordinator said. “These are difficult roads, and the descent of the Puy Mary is not easy to negotiate.”
He also argued that riders needed to adapt their speed and racing lines to the conditions.
“The riders should not think they are on a Formula 1 circuit,” Bancala said. “When only one or two riders crash, it may simply be that their line was not ideal. We did not see a general wave of crashes.”
Whatever caused the crashes, the white roads are likely to be viewed more critically by riders.
Live the Tour with Factor
Founded by former pro and carbon-engineering pioneer, Rob Gitelis, Factor’s core is defined by a spirit of invention and risk-taking to push the limits of what a performance bicycle can be. But the goal is more than just performance. Our bikes are a catalyst for experience, emotion, and discovery. They are freedom made physical.
