Pogacar calls for Tour de France calendar overhaul as heatwave grips stage race

Tadej Pogacar has urged radical changes to the professional racing calendar after another day of extreme heat during the Tour de France.

• Mathieu van der Poel won the shortened ninth stage of the Tour de France in Ussel, with Tom Pidcock finishing third.
• Pogacar said he would change the calendar to avoid racing in hot places during July and August and suggested starting stages earlier.
• The Professional Cyclists Association called for full implementation of the extreme weather protocol and earlier start times to protect rider health.
• Tour director Christian Prudhomme said an earlier start to the stage was not possible for logistical reasons.