Cofidis climber Guillaume Martin is extremely concerned for the future of cycling as a sport amidst the growing climate change problem, warning "we are experiencing a big, very big, problem.”
Speaking about the sustainability of a global sport in the modern world, Martin spoke of his own experiences battling against the elements. "I particularly remember the Vuelta a España last year." The 29-year-old told Reporterre. "I remember a stage where, for five hours, my thermometer did not drop below 33 degrees C. On average we were around 39 degrees as we climbed in altitude, I wondered what I was doing there, making extreme efforts in extreme temperatures.”
This comes after extreme temperatures during the Tour de France forced the organisers to send trucks ahead of the race, spraying water on the tarmac to keep the road cool. According to Martin, this could force a change to the cycling calendar, "I am not sure that the Tour de France can continue to be held in July. The health of riders and spectators depends on it.”
Action is of course being taken by both race organisers and the teams themselves to try and limit the carbon footprint of the sport, however Martin believes more could yet done. “It is undoubtedly necessary to amend the way in which we organize these major competitions,” he said. “Do we need so many cars in a cycle race, such a long advertising caravan at the front? We need entertainment, but we can probably entertain ourselves in a more reasonable way.”
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