The effect of climate change on the Tour de France

Star cyclist Guillaume Martin has warned about the effects of climate change on the sport of cycling. In an interview he has recounted about the experience of racing the Vuelta a Espana last year, which involved cycling uphill at temperatures above 33 degrees centigrade. Other cyclists have had similar experiences in recent races, with the Tour de France having to deal with a heatwave in the middle of the event, by engaging trucks to spray water on the over-heated tarmac, and riders requiring breaks under parasols and wearing ice-vests.

Currently, major races like the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana unfold at the peak of European summer, with the latter regularly running through dry and parched areas, with temperatures above 40 degrees centigrade. In this regard, Martin has remarked that the organization of races at certain times of the year may need to be revised for the safety of riders and spectators both, including the Tour de France.

The 29-year-old Frenchman, who has authored two books, including one on ecological issues, and his predictions follow the UCI’s recent decision to hold stakeholders including teams, race organizers and national federations responsible for emission reduction and taking initiatives to counter climate change. Riders have also been incorporating changes to reduce their climate footprint by adapting their diets, travel and lifestyles. However, according to Martin this may not be enough, and it is important to pare down the races themselves with measures such as shortening the advertising caravan at the front.