Temperatures are now reaching 40°c in the shade - and 60°c on the road, with the result that teams are running out of water bottles.

Even though, they allocate 10/12 bottles - per rider, per stage.

On the mountainous stage to Valloire today, ways of carrying and distributing more bottles will have to be found.

Electrolyte mixes have to be provided also - to combat sodium loss in the sweat. A small army of doctors are constantly monitoring the riders.

As heat stroke has become a serious issue in this endurance spectacle, of 21 stages - which is worth watching on Eurosport.

With great coverage - from cameras in helicopters, adjacent team vehicles, riders' helmets and surrounding motorcycles.

45.9°c recorded in France today

The hottest ever


For that country

Talking about extremes, the tour has just been stopped because of large amounts of hail.

Rubble has also been released by the hail - making the stage's imminent conclusion impossible.

Downhill parts of the stage were particularly affected by the rubble - and the riders are scheduled to overnight at Tignes.

On Sunday - in Paris - the Tour will finish; however there will have to be a significant element of placing adjustments before that.

In order to account fairly, for the virtually unprecedented stoppage.

Apparently the riders (and Tour personnel) are currently sheltering in a tunnel in Val d'Isere.

It will be a very long process to work out timings and placings - and probably go on until late in the night.

Only two stages are left - and the Sunday one, to Paris, is really a procession and ceremonial.

However, the hailstorm was vicious. Making the stoppage decision the only possible option.


Disputes and arguments are inevitable though - as time keepers and those monitoring accumulated points, will have had a difficult afternoon!

Today's penultimate stage has been modified and reduced in length - to 59km, and will also start later.

All because of the extreme weather conditions being experienced in France, including the hailstorms yesterday.

On Sunday, the final stage will end with the usual spectacular sprints, on the Champs Elysees in Paris.


Next weekend - in London and Surrey - the Ride London cycling event takes place, with 100,000 participants over two days.