The heat wave that struck France in recent weeks was stronger than the one - already very severe - that we faced in Italy, and therefore it is natural that the authorities have drawn up an action plan that can be adopted in emergency situations. A plan that naturally also concerns the Tour de France, the riders and the fans. The Ministry of the Interior has indeed sent prefects a series of guidelines for situations where a red alert is triggered during the Tour de France.

«As an exceptional measure and in consultation with the organizer and all interested parties, you may decide to cancel a stage when health or operational conditions no longer allow you to simultaneously guarantee the safety of spectators, mobilized personnel and the continuity of emergency services for the population».

As every year, the program includes the dissemination of prevention and safety messages to the public, the distribution of hats, fans and water bottles, as well as the installation of misting systems and shaded areas, while limiting entertainment during periods of extreme heat. It is noted that water will also be distributed to law enforcement officers in the start and finish areas.

For the riders, the UCI protocol will be activated, which provides for the use of cooling devices (cooling vests, cold towels), the implementation of individualized hydration plans, a greater number of support motorcycles, authorization for free refreshments throughout the route and longer time limits for elimination.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez adds that prefects will be able to decide on an exceptional strengthening of medical and emergency resources along the route, on the limitation or closure of certain public areas if safety conditions cannot be guaranteed, but they may also decide to limit public attendance and impose route modifications, if necessary.

Prefects are also asked to issue decrees prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places, except for spaces regularly occupied by authorized restaurants and bars (terraces, etc.), as well as the sale of alcoholic beverages for takeaway.

Contacted by L'Equipe, the Tour director Christian Prudhomme did not appear troubled by this message to the prefects. "We are in constant contact with the Ministry of the Interior; just last Thursday we spoke with the chief of staff of the Prime Minister. And the entire system is planned in the same way every year. A prefect can always make decisions of this kind for the good of the population. It's all common sense. For the riders, we apply the UCI protocol".

For the record, this year too, the caravan will distribute 2,500,000 hats or caps, 550,000 cans of soft drinks and 400,000 liters of water.