The UCI has established a protocol in the event of extremely high temperatures at the forthcoming World Road Championships in Qatar which could see the length of races being reduced.
Extreme temperatures could potentially result in the Elite Men’s Road Race being reduced from 257.5 kilometres to 106.4 kilometres.
“From the end of September, a 4-member group of experts will examine the weather forecast, and will meet before each road race,” said the UCI in a press release.
“Daily checks of the temperature will be conducted by two UCI representatives using thermal stress indicators. The UCI will take decisions after consulting this group of experts, the President of the Athletes’ Commission Bobbie Traksel and the President of the Commissaires’ Panel Ingo Rees.”
“The following measures may be decided in the event of high temperatures:
• For the Men Elite road race: to reduce the 150km initial distance,
• For all other road races: to reduce the number of laps of the circuit.
“Furthermore, the UCI and the Doha 2016 Organising Committee will implement certain technical solutions for the races:
• Two motorbikes moving through the race convoy to supply the riders with water,
• Distribution of water and ice to the teams before each race in the start parking area,
• Supply of 10,000 TACX bottles for teams.”
The races start this Sunday (9 October) with both the Women’s and Men’s Team Time Trials.
I wonder what made them chose Doha in the first place.Idiotic choice.
Maybe they should have reconsidered the location. I know they want the sport to go global, but this was and obviously bad choice.
All about the dollars
Because it makes perfect sense to stage it in the flipping desert. I’m sure money had nothing to do with it…
Money,…. Only cash, and they will race where ever you want. We must stop this.
Should have thought about that when they took that bung…
dicks coocckkssoonn
Money, money money…. As ABBA said
Dear UCI,
Tour of Oman and Qatar are in February for a reason. Because it is hotter than hell there this time of year. Enjoy your payday UCI.
And the award for the bullshit venue of the year awards go to……….
Maybe they should hold it at night when it’s cooler, that would be different. Would give a whole new meaning to out of sight out of mind