'Do we wait for a death?' – Tour team boss urges feeding zone overhaul

LOUDENVIELLE, France :Rising temperatures and increasing speeds in the Tour de France have prompted sports directors to call for changes to feeding zone regulations, citing heightened risks of injury and dehydration for riders.

"We're placing feed zones on flat, fast stretches where riders are doing 60 kph," Philippe Mauduit, performance director at Groupama–FDJ, told Reuters on Friday before the start of the 13th stage.

"It's so dangerous. A rider trying to grab a musette (feed bag) can break a finger or crash. And if he brakes too much, he's dropped — and in that group speed, he's not coming back."

French rider Bryan Coquard broke a finger in Thursday's 12th stage as he attempted to grab his feed bag and said he would abandon the race after Friday's individual time trial.

The growing risk, particularly under extreme weather conditions, has prompted a reevaluation of race feeding protocols among teams and organisers.

"In 35°C heat, this isn't a luxury. It's vital," Mauduit said. "Do we need to wait for someone to die on Mont Ventoux before we act?"

Tour organisers (ASO) and the International Cycling Union (UCI) were not immediately available for comment.

One key complaint is the placement of feed zones on long straightaways instead of safer, slower segments like slight uphills or post-town exits.

Mauduit cited several recent crashes and injuries directly linked to chaotic feeding zones.

"There have been a lot of broken collarbones and scaphoid fractures this season. We're putting riders in no-win scenarios," he said.

In response, a coalition of sports directors formed after the Criterium du Dauphine in June presented proposed reforms to the UCI, ASO, and the AIGCP (international organisation of professional groups).

Among the