Source: Sporza.be
Ice vests before the start, drinking "bidons" with ice in it, extra salt and sugar in the drinks. 20 carb gels per day per rider, and a shitload of extra magnesium and calcium before and after the race.
These are some of the precautions that are taken to keep the health of the riders insured. But that is never 100 % the case. Heat strokes are not uncommon in these circumstances, and also for the guys that really sweat a lot, water poisoning and diarhea.
Image source: International News
So the question is, is it responsible to this after two weeks of Tour de France? I don't know. Most doctors say these professionals are used to this. But still I have my doubts. The heat and especially the sun can be ruthless. And it's mostly not the guys in front that are the real sufferers. The ones in the back, that are already at the bottom of their powers, are suffering way more than the riders in front.
If you ask me, this is on the edge of reason and common sense, but he, it's sports, it has to bring in money, that's just how it is!
Sincerely,
Pele23
