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.

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