XPO Logistics continues to reduce the environmental impact of the Tour de France
XPO will use an electric road tractor for the first time and HVO biofuel again to help the Tour de France in its CSR approach.
XPO has announced that it will be the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France for the 44th consecutive year and it will thus participate in reducing the environmental impact of the famous cycling event by using HVO biofuel and an electric truck. XPO Logistics will also be moving the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift as their Official Transport Partner since the inaugural edition of the Women’s Tour in 2022.
From the start of the Grande Boucle in Florence, Italy, on 29 June, a team of 59 XPO Logistics drivers will move from stage to stage all the equipment necessary for the smooth logistical running of the Tour de France (barriers, podiums, arches, paint for the race signs, prefabricated furniture for the villages, sound and video equipment, gantries, etc.). The 2024 edition will finish in Nice this year for the first time in over a century due to the event's proximity to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A proven energy transition strategy
To reduce its environmental impact, the Tour de France has once again chosen the LESS® HVO solution introduced by XPO Logistics in 2023. This sustainable, low-emissions solution uses HVO biofuel to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% and fine particle and NOx pollution by up to 30% compared to diesel.
In 2023, the use of biofuel enabled a reduction of 136,571 kg of CO2 for 48,826 litres used. The women's edition, Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, also saw a reduction of 18,976 kg of CO2 thanks to the use of 6,784 litres of HVO biofuel.
For the first time, a 100% electric road tractor will also travel from Mâcon to Nuits-Saint-Georges and be present at the Tour’s finish in Saint-Vulbas. XPO Logistics has been testing biofuel at the Tour de France since 2021, using B100 biofuel made from rapeseed oil, and has gradually strengthened its commitment to sustainable development ever since. In line with the sustainable development objectives shared by both companies, XPO’s drivers will wear uniforms made from organic materials and are all rigorously trained in eco-driving.
Preparing and adapting to the unexpected for every edition
This major world sporting event is a complex, bespoke logistics operation where every potential hazard must be considered and anticipated. Each edition is a new challenge that starts with the precise analysis and scouting of the route to prepare the most efficient transport plans. The XPO Logistics teams work closely with the Tour de France teams to ensure the smooth running of the 21 stages of the race within very tight deadlines. XPO Logistics and the Tour de France also share a joint commitment to safety. The driving teams' expertise is reflected in their preparation and strict compliance with the Tour's safety protocols.
Luis Gómez, President of XPO Logistics - Europe, said: "We are extremely proud to be the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift again this year. Our partnership with the Tour de France began in 1980, and our strong commitment to making this event a success remains unchanged. Bringing our expertise to manage the transport and logistics of one of the world's greatest sporting competitions also means offering more innovative and sustainable solutions each year. This is part of our overall commitment to limiting CO2 emissions and helping our customers and partners to achieve their objectives for a more environmentally friendly future.”
Thomas Cariou, CSR director at Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), said: "We are delighted to be able to rely on the expertise of XPO Logistics. Once again, this year, we have set ourselves the goal of organising a Tour that combines efficiency and sustainability, and we know that we can count on XPO to help us achieve this target. Together, we are making progress every year, and this joint commitment strengthens our determination to make each new Tour a complete success and an exceptional event.”
XPO Logistics' innovative service offering includes full load, part load, managed transport, last mile delivery, international transport solutions and contract logistics, all optimised through technology. The company tailors its solutions to the specific needs of customers in a variety of sectors including consumer goods, trade and industry, as well as at world-class events.
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