As the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, XPO will use an electric road tractor for the first time and HVO biofuel once again to support the Tour de France in its CSR approach.
LONDON, UK — 25 June 2024 – XPO, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has announced it will be the Official Transport Partner of the Tour de France for the 44th consecutive year. This partnership underscores their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the iconic cycling event by utilising HVO biofuel and an electric truck. XPO Logistics will also continue its role as the Official Transport Partner for the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift, a partnership that began with the inaugural Women’s Tour in 2022.
Starting from the Grande Boucle in Florence, Italy, on 29 June, a team of 59 XPO Logistics drivers will transport all necessary equipment for the Tour de France’s logistical needs. This includes barriers, podiums, arches, race sign paint, prefabricated village furniture, and sound and video equipment, among other items. Notably, the 2024 edition will conclude in Nice for the first time in over a century due to its proximity to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A Proven Energy Transition Strategy
To further minimise environmental impact, the Tour de France has adopted XPO Logistics’ LESS® HVO solution, introduced in 2023. This sustainable, low-emission solution uses HVO biofuel to cut CO2 emissions by up to 90% and reduce fine particle and NOx pollution by up to 30% compared to diesel.
In 2023, the use of HVO biofuel resulted in a reduction of 136,571 kg of CO2 for 48,826 litres used. The Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift also benefited, with a reduction of 18,976 kg of CO2 from the use of 6,784 litres of HVO biofuel.
For the first time, a 100% electric road tractor will journey from Mâcon to Nuits-Saint-Georges and will be present at the Tour’s finish in Saint-Vulbas. XPO Logistics has been testing biofuel at the Tour de France since 2021, starting with B100 biofuel made from rapeseed oil, and has progressively enhanced its commitment to sustainable development. Aligning with both companies’ sustainable development goals, XPO’s drivers will wear uniforms made from organic materials and are 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.
About XPO
XPO, Inc (NYSE: XPO) is a leader in asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation in North America. The company’s customer-focused organization efficiently moves more than 8 million tons of freight annually using its proprietary technology. XPO serves approximately 52,000 customers with 610 locations and 39,000 employees in North America and Europe.
The company’s head office is in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA.
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