“We have a big problem”: In view of climate change, Guillaume Martin fears for the future of sport

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Guillaume Martin warned urgently about the future of cycling.

“We have a big, very big problem,” Martin warned this week.

The Cofidis climbing philosopher spoke to environmental action website Reporterre about the sustainability of an increasingly global sport in the wake of climate change.

“We have a big, very big problem. I particularly remember last year’s Vuelta a España. For several days we went through unbelievable heat, especially in the south of Spain. I remember a phase where my thermometer didn’t fall below 33 degrees C for five hours. On average, we were at 39 degrees as we climbed,” said Martin.

“I asked myself what I was doing there, making an extreme effort in extreme temperatures.”

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Martin’s words of caution to Reporterre come at the end of a season that saw riders endure extreme temperatures throughout the summer.

A heatwave midway through the Tour de France forced organizers to use trucks to spray water on melting asphalt, leaving riders shaded under umbrellas and wearing ice vests ahead of the stage.

Some of the biggest races on the WorldTour, including the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, are at the height of the European summer. Vuelta stages through Spain’s deep south are notorious for arid landscapes and temperatures in excess of 40 degrees C.

“Lately we’ve realized that in our disorderly world, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to exercise,” Martin said this week.

“More concretely, in the world of cycling, there is the question of organizing races at certain times of the year. I’m not sure if the Tour de France can continue in July. The health of drivers and spectators depends on it.”

Riders have been regularly spotted wearing cooling ice vests before stages of the Tour this summer.

Martin has published two books, the latter – “La Société du Peloton” – touching on ecological issues.

The 29-year-old was speaking after the UCI’s latest confirmation that it had won 80 founding signatories for its new climate change charter.

The governing body aims to hold teams, race organizers and national federations accountable to reduce emissions and proactively help slow climate change.

Grand Tour bosses have already taken first steps to reduce climate impact through many initiatives, including green “trash zones” and electric vehicles. However, marathon-long transfers and huge racing convoys remain the norm.

Drivers are also becoming increasingly vigilant to offset the CO2 emissions they generate by changing their diet, travel and lifestyle habits.

Although advocacy groups and drivers are taking action to reduce the sport’s impact on the environment – and therefore the environment’s impact on sport – Martin worries it may not be enough.

“There is undoubtedly a need to change the way we organize these big competitions,” he said. “Do we need so many cars for a bike race, such a long advertising caravan in front? We need entertainment, but we can probably have a more sensible conversation.”