Tour de France organizers confirmed that Tuesday’s fourth stage, from Carcassonne to Foix, will proceed despite extreme heat forecasts exceeding 40°C (104°F). The 182km stage follows a subdued third stage to Les Angles, held with minimal fanfare to mitigate wildfire risks in the eastern Pyrenees.

Tadej Pogacar, riding for UAE Team Emirates, showcased his dominance by clinching his 22nd stage win and first yellow jersey of 2026. He outpaced Jonas Vingegaard with a powerful acceleration, leveling their overall time but reclaiming the race lead in the process.

Pogacar expressed his excitement:

We love to race and we’re here to race for the victory. We saw there was a possibility to go for the stage and take yellow and that’s exactly what happened.

However, he described the oppressive heat as a “logistical nightmare,” emphasizing the challenges of keeping hydrated:

When it’s hot, we start to put a lot of effort into bringing water and ice up to the riders. Cooling is really important. It’s dangerous if you don’t keep your body temperature down.

Amidst his success, Pogacar downplayed comparisons to Mark Cavendish’s record of 35 wins, stating, "It’s still far away. Maybe today was my last victory ever. I prefer to stay in the moment and enjoy this victory."

The atmosphere at Les Angles was notably somber, with the village appearing nearly deserted. Mayor Michel Poudade lamented the lack of spectators, which he felt hurt local businesses:

We expected 20,000 to 25,000 people here. It’s heartbreaking.

As 61 French regions remain under orange heatwave alert, the Tour's safety measures continue to be a priority, with local authorities prepared to cancel stages in exceptional circumstances. The impact of the relentless heat on both riders and spectators remains a pressing concern.