A gold medal winning Olympic cyclist, known for his achievements in the men’s individual pursuit cycling at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, has embarked on an eight-day bike ride from Manchester to Paris. The purpose of this challenge, named Pedal for Paris, is to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change.
The cyclist began his journey on July 16 from Manchester and is expected to cover a total of 550 miles, passing through locations such as Loughborough, Milton Keynes, and Dieppe before reaching Paris on July 23. Along the way, he will be joined by various personalities and athletes, including former England rugby players and a champion athlete.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote environmental sustainability in sports. The cyclist, who also serves as the chair of Sport England, highlighted the importance of integrating environmental strategies into sports activities. He emphasized the need for organizations to have an environmental action plan by 2027 to access public funding.
With a focus on climate change, the cyclist aims to draw attention to the impact of environmental issues on sports and society. By undertaking this challenging bike ride, he hopes to showcase sustainable modes of travel and visit projects that are making positive contributions to the environment.
As the Tokyo Olympics approach, the cyclist expressed optimism about Team GB’s cycling team, citing their competitiveness and young talent. Despite setbacks such as injuries to key athletes, he remains confident in the team’s potential for success at the upcoming games.
Furthermore, Sport England has launched the Going for Green pledge, a collaborative effort involving numerous organizations to promote eco-friendly practices in sports. This initiative seeks to encourage participation in outdoor activities, increase recycling of sports equipment, promote sustainable transportation options, and reduce the use of single-use plastics.
