Tour of Britain Sport Emissions Studied

Scientists in the UK are preparing to work out how much of an impact a major sporting event has on the environment.

The Tour of Britain is an annual cycle race that has been staged since 1945 and the 2010 edition will take place between 11 and 18 September. Comprised of eight stages, the race covers a distance of 1,223 kilometres, starting in the North of England and ending in London.

Through the CRed (Carbon Reduction Programme), the scientists will assess how much energy hosting the tour consumes, factoring in points such as distances travelled by spectators and modes of transport used.

Tour of Britain Emissions

Based on the findings, the scientists – who work at the University of East Anglia – will put forward ways to lower the Tour of Britain’s emissions output in future years.

“Engaging fans and the local community in carbon reduction could help offset the emissions of the tour and stimulate the kinds of behavioural changes needed to avoid the worst consequences of climate change”, CRed’s chief technical officer, Doctor Simon Gerrard, explained, adding; ”These changes can also improve peoples' health and save them money.”

CRed was created seven years ago to aid individuals and firms alike shift to a low-carbon society.

CO2 Emissions: Sporting Events

Over one million spectators lined the streets of Britain to watch the cyclists participating in the 2008 Tour of Britain.

In general terms, a large proportion of the overall CO2 emissions associated with large-scale sporting events like this – up to 70 per cent - can be linked back to the crowd itself.

The Tour of Britain was formerly known as the ‘Milk Race’ and, more recently, the Kellogg’s Tour of Britain. This year’s event will be the third to involve eight days of competition and represents a component of the wider 2009-2010 UCI Europe Tour.

In related news, Enviro News reported earlier this week on what is hoped to be the first carbon neutral motor race in history. The Zero Race began on 16 August and will see electric cars competing to promote the viability of energy efficient transport technologies to a wider stage.

See also:

Drive to Reduce Formula One Racing Emissions