Qatar isn't satisfied with having a pro stage race in February. It wants to host a Tour de France prologue too. One big problem: This desert country's average temperature in July is 105F degrees (41C). And that being "average," it's certain that the daytime temps are hotter. "Everyone who can, leaves Qatar for the summer," notes Qatarvisitor.com. So according to cyclingnews.com, the Qatar cycling federation is luring the Tour's 2014 prologue by promising to construct a covered and cooled cycling tunnel. Building plans reportedly already exist. Qatar is a small country of just 4,416 square miles (11,437 sq. km) occupying a peninsula in southwest Asia. It's surrounded by the Persian Gulf and bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south. Oil was discovered in the 1940s and provides ample funds for projects like air-conditioned bike races.

It probably doesn't have to be enclosed, just 45 miles of refrigerated water pipes misting at an appropriate height would work, similar to snow making but with water. A fine mist will never hit the ground keeping the road mostly dry but provide a dramatic evaprorative cooling affect on the riders.

It will be interesting to see what they come up with if they get it,

Ryan

Silly idea, the riders will have a heck of a time keeping their extra bags of blood from spoiling in those conditions.
 
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