WorldTour cycling calendar raises concerns over environmental impact from travel emissions

The 2025 men's and women's WorldTour cycling calendars will feature numerous races across multiple continents, requiring long-distance flights for teams. This has raised concerns about the significant environmental impact, with estimates showing high carbon emissions from travel. For example, a roundtrip flight for a rider from Girona to the Tour Down Under emits nearly 5 tons of carbon dioxide. The Tour de France will also involve extensive transfers, with over 3,000 kilometers of travel, contributing to the overall carbon footprint of the event. Organizers are exploring ways to reduce emissions, including using electric vehicles and promoting sustainable practices among teams. The UCI has set targets for reducing transport emissions by 30% by 2026, but restructuring the calendar to achieve this goal may be complex.