"They have thrown all that 'white shit' on top": Pidcock falls and blames the stains on the asphalt in the Tour

The high temperatures are marking the Tour de France 2026 and their consequences go far beyond the additional effort required from the cyclists. Extreme heat also affects the condition of the roads and forces the treatment of some asphalt sections, a measure that has now provoked criticism from Tom Pidcock after he suffered a fall during the descent of the Col de Puy Mary.

Tom Pidcock falls on the heat-treated asphalt and explodes: “What are they doing with the roads?”

The British rider from Pinarello-Q36.5 was one of the competitors who ended up on the ground during the tenth stage and, after crossing the finish line, pointed directly at the white patches covering some areas of the road.

“I didn’t expect it to be like this. I don’t know what they are doing here with the roads, they’ve put all that ‘shit’ on top. But it made it very slippery, especially on the descents,” Pidcock explained to Eurosport after the stage.

Tom Pidcock hits the deck on Stage 10

He's already back with the main group! pic.twitter.com/79UzOYBCt6

— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) July 14, 2026

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What are those white patches?

Those white areas appearing on the roads of the Tour are precisely aimed at combating the effects of high temperatures. The asphalt is made up of aggregates bound by bitumen, and when the surface reaches very high temperatures, this binder can soften, rise, and create sticky or slippery areas.

To prevent this, during heatwaves light-colored treatments, such as lime slurry or similar agents, can be applied to the roadway. The material reflects solar radiation better than dark asphalt and helps to reduce the surface temperature, as well as limit the effects of softened bitumen.

The problem is that the treatment can also alter tire grip. If the material remains on the road forming a dust film, it can become a slippery surface, while the transitions between conventional asphalt, heat-affected areas, and treated sections add even more uncertainty for the cyclists.

A particularly delicate situation in descents, where riders can reach very high speeds and need maximum grip in the corners. Pidcock assured that it was precisely at one of those points where he lost control of his bike.

“I fell in the middle of one of those corners. After that, I had to chase, but the damage isn’t too serious. I’m fine now, although we’ll have to wait to see what the tests say,” he added.

Pidcock was able to continue in the race and complete the stage despite the incident. Pending the results of subsequent medical examinations, the rider explained that he apparently only suffered abrasions as a result of the fall.

The Pinarello-Q36.5 cyclist ultimately finished in ninth place, just under two minutes behind Tadej Pogacar, the winner of the tenth stage.

The fall brings attention back to one of the problems being caused by the intense heat during the Tour de France 2026. The treatments applied to the asphalt aim to prevent the surface from deteriorating and becoming dangerous, but Pidcock believes that, at least on the descent of the Col de Puy Mary, the solution ended up creating a new grip problem.