In this episode of the SBS Cycling Podcast, Christophe and Grace explore the intersection of climate change with Professor Lauren Rickards. Grace shares the physical reality of racing through intensifying heatwaves, providing a personal perspective on how rising temperatures directly hinder athletic performance and safety on the road.
The entire situation is abnormal when it comes to extreme heat or any climatic condition
Professor Rickards expands the scope to the systemic level, explaining how extreme weather threatens the entire sport, from degrading road infrastructure to the logistical challenges faced by event organisers. The conversation highlights that climate change isn't just a future threat but a current disruption to the framework of global cycling events.
It's about understanding the changing seasonality, the changing heat and then clearly any major event has massive issues around resource consumption and waste
The episode concludes with a call for greater transparency regarding the carbon footprint of the cycling industry. By advocating for sustainable practices and structural changes in how races are scheduled and managed, the guests urge the cycling community to adapt quickly to ensure the sport can thrive in an increasingly hot world.
