Professional Cycling For the Fans - Hoooowwww hot was it? Heard Chris Horner mention 105 degrees... however

I heard Chris Horner (and other riders) during interviews after yesterdays stage mention the effect of heat on the race. Chris said he preferred it a little warmer than other riders. He mentioned 105 and said that was comfortable but it got a little tough when it got to 107.

I initially thought he was referring to Fahrenheit but checked the weather in Tournous for today's stage and the temp @2pm (their time) was 88F.

Could they be referring to Heat Index? (heat + humidity)

Anyone there that can confirm the heat or temps at the race?

OT: I mentioned to a buddy of mine who is going there on an awesome Trek ride package where you ride the stages of the TdF, that Horner mentioned that the air conditioning was out at his hotel the night after Stage 6. My buddy said, that's fine as long as they get it working when he gets there. lol

Link to weather for Tournous Stage 7
http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/pastweather/hourly/FRXX4950?stn=0&when=071010

Stage 6 Montargis
http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/pastweather/hourly/FRXX0066?stn=0&when=071010

Stage 6 Geugon
http://www.weather.com/outlook/driving/interstate/pastweather/hourly/FRBR0027?stn=0&when=071010

Also tried another weather service for Montargis (when you get to the link below, select the "view detailed Observations" link - provides past 48hrs temps.

http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=FRXX0066

Roussis (different spelling so not certain the same location as Station de Rousses)
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=FRXX0260

Those temps might have reflected the temp coming off the pavement. It's always hotter on the road as a result of that.

It's not the heat alone that gets to me. It's the high humidity.

Yes he will be referring to heat index.

He will also be referring to heat on the road - out in the sun, on the road, humidity.

The temp you see when you look it up usually taken at a weather station, which among other things, is in the shade.

Yes he will be referring to heat index.
The temp you see when you look it up usually taken at a weather station, which among other things, is in the shade.

The recorded temps here are done with precision (and I would assume such a simple measurement elsewhere). When the recorded temps stated 99F in my zip code recently or 101 in Philly, it WAS 99F and 101F, respectively. No one had to discern, if they meant in the shade. Of course the news makers hype the heat index or "feels like" numbers which escalates the numbers.

Reason I was inquiring, I wanted to gauge what the temps were there compared to what I rode in a 70mi TTT ride two weeks ago. (Friggen heat definitely was the major factor in our lower performance. It was mid 90s, full Sun and 70+% humidity) A couple guys (absolute beasts with 56min 40k TTs to their past credit) got cooked and we had to stop and hose them down with a garden hose like you were washing a car.

Those temps might have reflected the temp coming off the pavement. It's always hotter on the road as a result of that.

Even so, he should be used to that if it was only 88 in the air.

Those temps might have reflected the temp coming off the pavement. It's always hotter on the road as a result of that.
This. My VDO computer regularly displays temps 10-20 higher than the forecast or recorded temps. The only exceptions seem to be foggy days and night time.

I'll also point out that weather is read from a specific location. Riding in rural areas and canyons, mountain tops, open desert, etc. will find you in places that aren't really covered by a general are forecast.

The recorded temps here are done with precision (and I would assume such a simple measurement elsewhere). When the recorded temps stated 99F in my zip code recently or 101 in Philly, it WAS 99F and 101F, respectively. No one had to discern, if they meant in the shade. Of course the news makers hype the heat index or "feels like" numbers which escalates the numbers.

Reason I was inquiring, I wanted to gauge what the temps were there compared to what I rode in a 70mi TTT ride two weeks ago. (Friggen heat definitely was the major factor in our lower performance. It was mid 90s, full Sun and 70+% humidity) A couple guys (absolute beasts with 56min 40k TTs to their past credit) got cooked and we had to stop and hose them down with a garden hose like you were washing a car.


So, what in here is not consistent with what I said??

So, what in here is not consistent with what I said??
Nothing. I did not dispute what you said.
However your comments about the certainty that they were referring to the Heat Index provided no confirmation. That was your supposition (as was what I had already considered).

So I expanded my remarks for clarity and thought the thread might receive a post from someone AT the race who could provide confirmation as to the temps. As UbanKnight mentions, the temps in the town might be much different than other desolate spots. (I might ad as he inferred, due to topography)