Crossword Genius

Event that gives athletes a chance to warm up (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

heat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'warm up' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'event that gives athletes a chance' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'het' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for heat that I've seen before include "Pressure" , "Warmth - gossip mag" , "Raise temperature" , "Cook" , "Toast" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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