Tour de France organisers said on Monday they were ready to adapt to extreme weather conditions as the world's most famous cycling race prepares to start in Barcelona.
Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave, raising concerns for riders and spectators during the three-week race, which finishes on the Champs-Élysées in Paris on July 26.
Race director Christian Prudhomme said protecting riders and the public remained the organisers' highest priority.
He said the International Cycling Union's extreme temperature protocol takes account of temperature, humidity, wind conditions and rider speed.
Prudhomme said additional refreshment zones could be introduced if required. Time limits for elimination may also be relaxed to prevent exhausted riders from making excessive efforts to remain in the race.
He noted that professional cyclists are accustomed to racing in high temperatures, including conditions of up to 42C during the Tour Down Under in Australia. However, he said prolonged periods of temperatures around 40C would present a different challenge.
Prudhomme said organisers remained in constant contact with local authorities along the race route to safeguard spectators.
He said the Tour caravan distributes 2.5 million hats, 550,000 cans and carries 400,000 litres of bottled water. He urged spectators to wear hats, carry drinking water and pay particular attention to children and older people.
This year's Tour de France will include shorter stages, with none exceeding 205 kilometres. Organisers have also selected more shaded routes where possible, including the ascent of the Haag in Alsace during the July 18 stage.
Prudhomme said the route reflected how the Tour could develop in future while retaining famous mountain climbs such as Mont Ventoux, Alpe d'Huez, Galibier and the Tourmalet.
