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SALT LAKE CITY — Lots of sports take place during the summer, and many an athlete or fan has spent time in the blazing heat practicing or watching football, soccer or in even cycling, in the case of the Tour of Utah.
Doctors say you just have to use common sense and drink water in order to beat the heat. Unfortunately, some people forget that, even in the middle of a heat wave.
Some of the best cyclists in the world are competing in the Tour Of Utah, seventeen teams in all. While these guys prepare for all kinds of conditions, even pros, like National Road Champ Timmy Duggan admit the temperature does make a difference.
"For sure the heat is a big factor, and here in Utah, with the altitude as well is kind of a double-whammy," Duggan said. "It certainly makes the race more difficult, and more selective, and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
But keeping these guys safe from the heat as well as the dangers on the track, is where these doctors, with the University of Utah medical system come in.
"We have two medical cars, and a medical motorcycle, and two ambulances," said Brad Rockwell, medical director for the tour. He says the heat isn't a huge concern for these guys. "The riders are really in very good shape."
The spectators on the other hand, don't always come prepared. "It's...the heat that magnifies all health issues," he said.
Rockwell says his team has already treated several onlookers for heat exhaustion, some from other parts of the country.
Cycling fans, like Jacob Bedle travel the country for races like this, in his case from Arizona. He says his family comes prepared, drinking lots of water.
"It was 117 in Arizona yesterday, so we were at Miller Sports Park, and it was 93, so it was nice. It's nice here," Bedle said.
A good rule of thumb is that you should be drinking eight cups of water a day and even more if you're out being active.
