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TNT Sports 'Huge worry' over rider safety at La Vuelta as Matthew Brennan hits out at conditions after brutal heat on Stage 15 - 'What are we doing?' By React to this story Matthew Brennan didn't hold back with his view of the brutally hot conditions on Stage 15 of La Vuelta, where temperatures were over 40 degrees Celsius on a shortened day, won by his Visma-Lease a Bike team-mate Wout van Aert. Brennan was asked after the stage, which saw a second Van Aert masterclass in three days, about the stifling heat in the mountains. And the Brit, who has won three La Vuelta stages so far, did not hold back on his views on rider safety, citing fears of heatstroke for those in the peloton. "I wouldn’t do it [ride Stage 15] again," Brennan told TNT Sports. "On here [his bike computer], we have 41 degrees average. That’s average, so it’s probably going to be higher. "When I was on the climb at the start, it was 44 degrees, and then, at that point, you start thinking, ‘what are we doing?’. "You know, a normal office person has to have their temperature set at 20 degrees, or whatever, and I’m sure the people at the UCI office will have theirs set at 20 degrees as well. "When we’re out here slogging away for their sake… Yeah, I mean it [the temperature] is not great, but we do it. Yeah, that’s the show we put on, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there are a few bodies going home in an ambulance tonight with heatstroke." In the TNT Sports studio, Adam Blythe said that the UCI, world cycling's governing body, and the race organisers, were doing "everything they possibly can" to ensure the safety of competitors. "It is a huge worry for the bike riders," said Blythe on The Breakaway. "We don’t want to see any crashes, especially when it’s controllable. If it gets too hot, if it gets too warm, then neutralise it. Do whatever it is. "We saw on the stage with the hail, that it was the riders’ choice. They neutralised it. The riders also have a choice here today. They can neutralise it. They got through it." - Roglic won't be 'too bothered' by Mas extending lead - Pogacar ruled out for rest of season, extends UAE contract Blythe went on: "I’m sure it’s not all good for them. Like Matt [Brennan] said, there probably will be riders with heatstroke, which is never good. We don’t know if everyone got through all right. We really hope they do. "The UCI is trying to do what they can, and the race organisation is trying to do what they can. First of all they’ve shortened the stage, they’ve opened up the feeding bar. "They’re doing everything they possibly can." Brennan’s do 'nothing’ day Brennan, meanwhile, has his day off on Monday mapped out ahead of a renewed push on Tuesday. "Yeah, I do what I do best, which is nothing tomorrow," said 21-year-old Brennan, who is second in the points classification behind Van Aert. "Look forward to that. Lie on my bed, sleep, and the day after come up with a plan. "The boys are ready. We’ve got a lot of motivation from what we’re doing. We’ve picked up a third of the wins so far. Why not go for more? Why not go for six, seven victories? Some people are going to clip that. We’ll see what we can do." Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this. Watch and stream the 2026 cycling season, including La Vuelta, with TNT Sports on HBO Max. Related Topics