Paris: Heat training is proving to be a crucial element in preparation for the 2025 Tour de France as athletes adapt their bodies to the rising temperatures in France. This approach not only helps athletes acclimate to the heat but also offers a performance boost even in moderate conditions.
According to Deutsche Welle, Kristof de Kegel, sports scientist and Head of Performance at racing team Alpecin Deceuninck, revealed that active heat training was a significant change in their preparation strategy. He noted that aside from this adjustment, their training regimen remained consistent with the past four years. The coaches of multiple Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar also endorse the benefits of heat stimulation, integrating it with altitude training to elevate the body's core temperature to a slightly feverish state. Jeroen Swart, sports scientist at UAE Emirates XRG, explained that this method involves raising the core temperature to 38.5 degrees Celsius (101.3 degrees Fahrenheit).
Austrian professional cyclist Felix Gall shared insights on passive heat training methods, such as using saunas or warm baths post-training, while active methods involve wearing layers during altitude training or using exercise bikes.
Carsten Lundby, a sports scientist from the University of Odense, Denmark, has studied the effects of heat and altitude training for a decade. He believes heat training is more effective than altitude training for most cycling teams. Lundby stated that while some athletes do not respond to altitude training, it's rare for someone not to respond to heat training, which stresses the body more significantly. His research indicates that heat training increases blood volume, improves oxygen distribution in muscles, and stimulates new red blood cell formation.
Despite the benefits, heat training carries health risks, especially for the cardiovascular system and mental health. Professional racers, however, are closely monitored by medical teams to prevent issues such as dehydration, mineral loss, and heat-related illnesses.
The concept of heat training isn't entirely new. German champion Georg Zimmermann, participating in the 2025 Tour de France, has long been a fan of saunas, unknowingly incorporating heat training into his routine before it became popular. Rolf Aldag, former pro cyclist and sports director at Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe, recalled early adoption of heat training by athletes like Miguel Indurain during the 1992 World Championships.
Today, cycling team performance managers routinely integrate heat training, which is also gaining traction in other sports like Formula 1 and marathon running. In cycling, this approach offers a cost-effective alternative to altitude training camps, providing an opportunity for teams with smaller budgets to compete more effectively.
