Ice baths and frozen treats: Cyclists' unusual tactics against Tour de France heat

As the Tour de France battles scorching temperatures in Spain, cycling teams are resorting to increasingly inventive cooling methods to help their riders cope. This year's edition, which kicked off with a team time trial in Barcelona, saw temperatures soar above thirty degrees Celsius, pushing riders and support staff to their limits.

One striking tactic observed was the use of ice baths for forearms. Riders from the Netcompany Ineos team were seen sitting in rows, their forearms submerged in basins filled with ice-cold water. This method, aimed at rapidly lowering core body temperature before riders tackle the demanding course, appears to be a novel approach within the professional peloton.

Meanwhile, the Alpecin team opted for a different, though still unconventional, strategy. They provided their cyclists with "Mr. Freeze" popsicles, essentially ice lollies, to suck on. This method, while perhaps more traditional than forearm ice baths, is still a creative way to combat the intense heat of the Catalan sun. The French formation Codidis is also known to distribute crushed ice to its riders, highlighting a broader trend of innovative cooling measures.

These elaborate cooling strategies underscore the extreme conditions faced by athletes during major sporting events. While classic methods like cooling vests, socks, and ice towels remain in use, the adoption of ice baths and specialized frozen treats demonstrates the lengths teams will go to ensure their riders can perform at their peak despite the challenging climate.