French Cycling Championships men's race shortened due to heatwave

The men's road race at the French Cycling Championships has been shortened by one lap, a reduction of 16.1 kilometers, due to the ongoing heatwave. The French Cycling Federation announced the change shortly before the race's start on Sunday in La Tour-Le-Pin, Isère.

Competitors will now cover a total of 225.5 kilometers with a positive elevation gain of 3,206 meters. The revised route includes an initial 13.6-kilometer section leading to the first passage over the finish line, followed by 13 laps of the circuit. At the time of the start, the temperature was recorded at 35 degrees Celsius.

"We have tried to ensure that there are a maximum number of water points accessible to prevent dehydration. We will also increase communication with spectators, inviting them to take advantage of these cooling facilities," stated Michel Callot, president of the French Cycling Federation. He detailed the protocol implemented in coordination with the local prefecture to manage the extreme conditions.

In the absence of top contenders Paul Seixas and Kevin Vauquelin, the favorites for the event include Romain Grégoire, supported by his numerous Groupama-FDJ United teammates, Benoit Cosnefroy, Alex Baudin, defending champion Dorian Godon, and Paul Lapeira, the 2024 French champion. The finish is expected shortly before 5:00 PM.

On Saturday, under similarly suffocating heat, 20-year-old Célia Géry from Ardèche won the women's race, with Cédrine Kerbaol from Brittany finishing second.

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We have tried to ensure that there are a maximum number of water points accessible to prevent dehydration. We will also increase communication with spectators, inviting them to take advantage of these cooling facilities.