The Union Cycliste Internationale has decided to soften the rules around how Tour de France cyclists can take on supplies in light of the extreme heat forecast over the coming stages of the race.It has been decided to exceptionally authorise the use of feeding bags in zones initially defined for the provision of bottles only (water bottle zones) located within listed climbs, cyclings international governing body said in a statement today.What this means in practice is riders will be able to use their musettes to carry water bottles and distribute them to others in the peloton. The UCI says this is to ensure optimal hydration in the forecast weather conditions. Read more: Tour de France teams braced for heatwave as Europe's extreme summer continuesThe change to the rules comes with the Tour de France being gripped by sweltering temperatures.Yesterdays stage 3 saw temperatures over 30C as it headed into the Pyrenees-Orientales region of France, where there were major wildfires.Due to the wildfires, the race organisers made adjustments to the stage, which limited vehicles on the last 40km of the route and stopped the Tour de France caravan. The organisers also asked fans not to gather along the final section of the route, although there were spectators within the last 40km.Pogaar won yesterdays stage to take the yellow jersey from Jonas Vingegaard and move into fifth on the list of all-time Tour de France stage winners.After the stage, Pogaar said: My mum texted me last night to say that, unfortunately, we wouldnt be able to see each other today because of the rules in place today. Its too bad my parents couldnt watch the Tour pass by today, but anything that improves safety needs to be put in place. Pogaar: Anything that improves safety needs to be put in place. Anne-Christine Poujoulat / Getty Images Stage 4 of the Tour de France today heads from Carcassonne to Foix, with temperatures expected to reach 37C.Although no extra safety measures are in place, the Tour de France advised spectators to protect themselves: Before the riders pass by, during the stage, and after the finish: seek shade as soon as possible, wear a cap or hat, and drink water regularly, even if you dont feel thirsty.The UCI added that its change to the rules around feeding has been implemented on a trial basis and will be reviewed in light of weather conditions and its effectiveness. More on the 2026 Tour de France Who is Isaac del Toro? 4 things you need to know about the Mexican who could be a future Tour de France winner Why are Pogaar and Del Toro riding different bikes? Isaac del Toro's stage-winning Colnago V5Rs may sit exactly on the UCI weight limit Fans told to avoid Tour de France stage 3 due to major wildfires A Tour de France breakaway only has a 2% chance of winning, so why join one? Every team bike at the 2026 Tour de France