Summary：**Pogacar Calls for Cycling Calendar Overhaul Amid Deadly Heatwave** *Introduction* World‑class Ta

**Pogacar Calls for Cycling Calendar Overhaul Amid Deadly Heatwave**

*Introduction*
World‑class Tadej Pogacar has added his voice to a growing chorus demanding a radical reshuffle of the professional cycling calendar. Speaking after a grueling stage in southern Spain where temperatures topped 44 °C (111 °F), the two‑time Tour de France champion warned that the current schedule puts riders’ health at unnecessary risk as climate‑driven heatwaves become more frequent and intense.

*Key Developments*
During a post‑race press conference, Pogacar highlighted several incidents from the past month: multiple riders withdrawing from the Vuelta a España due to heat exhaustion, a medical tent overflowing with cases of dehydration, and a tragic collapse of a support staff member during a time trial in Italy. He urged the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and race organizers to consider moving marquee events to cooler months, introducing mandatory heat‑break protocols, and revising stage lengths when extreme weather forecasts are issued. The Slovenian star also pointed out that the current calendar, which packs the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España into a tight summer window, leaves little flexibility for climate‑related adjustments.

*Industry Analysis*
Experts in sports medicine and environmental science echo Pogacar’s concerns. A 2023 study published in the *Journal of Sports Sciences* found that performance declines sharply when ambient temperatures exceed 35 °C, with increased risk of heat‑related illness rising exponentially beyond 40 °C. Economically, teams face higher costs for cooling equipment, medical staff, and potential rider withdrawals, which can affect sponsorship value and broadcast revenues. Historically, the UCI has resisted calendar changes, citing tradition and logistical complexities. However, the growing pressure from athletes, sponsors wary of brand safety, and fans demanding athlete welfare may force a rethink. Some propose a “flexible window” model, where Grand Tours could shift by up to four weeks based on seasonal climate forecasts, similar to adjustments made