Vuelta a España calls on fans to protect 'open-air stadium' and prevent wildfires
Race heads into Pyrenees on Monday
The Vuelta a España has urged spectators to take precautions to protect the environment and prevent wildfires as the race heads into the Pyrenees on Monday. Organizers Unipublic made the appeal in a press release on Monday, asking fans to avoid creating sparks or discarding cigarette butts. Last month, wildfires prompted the evacuation of 300,000 people in France and Spain, with extreme temperatures exacerbating the blazes in particularly dry regions.
Scientists attribute the current situation to the ongoing climate crisis, which is creating conditions that have fueled fires.
The Vuelta's 26-stage race traverses Monaco, France, Andorra, and Spain, passing through some of the most breathtaking landscapes and natural areas in the region. The race will visit locations that have suffered the consequences of wildfires in recent years, underscoring the significance of safeguarding the environment, which is integral to the essence of the Vuelta and serves as its open-air stadium.
In light of this, the organizers are calling on all fans who choose to watch the race from the sidelines to take every possible measure to prevent fires throughout the 21 stages. Simple actions, such as not discarding cigarette butts or matches, avoiding any activity that could generate sparks, and ensuring that waste is collected before leaving the area, are crucial in protecting the surrounding environment. Moreover, it is essential to adhere to the instructions and restrictions imposed by local authorities at all times.
Let's enjoy the Vuelta responsibly. Preserving our surroundings is vital to safeguarding the open-air stadium that makes our sport possible.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
