The Union Cycliste Internationale, in agreement with the President of the Commissaires Panel, who holds sporting authority over the event, and the organizer, responsible for the operational management of the race, has decided to relax the provisions governing cyclist nutrition in light of forecasts of extreme heat for the upcoming stages of the Tour de France.
To this end, it has been decided to exceptionally authorize the use of musettes in zones initially designated solely for water bottle distribution ('water bottle zones') positioned along climbs that award points for mountain sprints. This measure is designed to facilitate the simultaneous distribution of multiple bottles to each cyclist, in order to guarantee optimal hydration under the forecasted weather conditions.
This measure is in a trial phase and will be reviewed in light of the weather conditions, its effectiveness, and its impact on the proper conduct of the event.