Cycling stage shortened due to heat

A forecast 40-plus heatwave has prompted the Tour Down Under to shorten Wednesday's second stage.

Race director Mike Turtur confirmed on Sunday that the stage from suburban Norwood to Angaston in the Barossa will be cut by 26.9km, reducing the distance to 122km.

Speaking at Saturday's pre-race media conference, Turtur had predicted that the race heat policy would be used.

The decision was made a day earlier than expected.

The temperature is forecast to hit 40-plus degrees for the first two stages, before a cool change comes through for the rest of the week.

Tuesday's first stage from North Adelaide to Port is already a shorter race at 132km and there are no plans to shorten its route.

"The safety and welfare of the riders, spectators and everyone involved with the race is always our primary concern," Turtur said in a statement.

"We consulted with rider representative Adam Hansen, team director representative Matthew White and with our chief commissaire, and all parties have agreed it would be sensible to shorten the stage."

Heatwave conditions are a regular feature of the Tour, now in its 21st year.

Last year, the fourth stage into Uraidla started an hour early because of the brutal heat.

The annual community ride that was scheduled for the stage four route was also cancelled.