Cyclists pedal through the heat

FOND DU LAC - No matter how you classify it; it's just a hot day.

"Ridiculous heat," said Jesse Collins-Davies.

"The riders are instantly dripping from the second they get out of their cars," said Jack Hirt, the executive director of Midwest Cycling Series.

For the 300 or so racers in the Tour of America's Dairyland bike race going on Tuesday in Fond du Lac, it seemed like the only necessities were sunscreen, a bike, and an endless supply of water.

"It can really make the difference," said John Reynders of Appleton. "If you don't have enough water you can cramp up and be out of the race real quick."

Responders at the medic tent said they didn't have any heat related problems as of the early afternoon, but they're ready.

"Lot of ice bags. Lots of ice. We have some ice buckets with sponges to cool them down if they get overheated," said Keith Owsley of Med Event.

Race organizers say they picked the date 8 months ago, and couldn't have predicted the scorcher the riders would face.

"It is a little warm but riders know what to do when it gets warm," said Hirt.

"Even drinking all my water I'll probably lose a couple pounds in sweat today," said Reynders.

"Everyone has to deal with it so the playing field's even. It's all about who can suffer the best," said Collins-Davies.

Suffering for 60 or 80 miles on the roasting roadways.

"This is fun though," said Richard Alderman of Madison.

Racing goes through downtown Fond du Lac Wednesday starting at noon.