XPO: Delivering a more Sustainable Tour de France

For more than 40 years, XPO Logistics, a leading provider of innovative sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, has been the official transport partner of the Tour de France.

Of course, in today’s world, that means finding new ways to reduce the environmental impact of cycling’s premier event.

For the 2024 edition, that means using HVO biofuel and an electric truck as XPO’s team of 59 drivers move from stage to stage all the equipment necessary for the smooth logistical running of the race.

This includes barriers, podiums, arches, paint for the race signs, prefabricated furniture for the villages, sound and video equipment, gantries and much more.

This year, XPO Logistics is also moving the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift as its official transport partner.

“Bringing our expertise to manage the transport and logistics of one of the world's greatest sporting competitions means offering more innovative and sustainable solutions each year,” explains Luis Gómez, President of XPO Logistics in Europe.

“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.”

Harnessing the power of HVO

In a bid to reduce its environmental impact, the Tour de France has once again chosen the LESS hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) solution which was 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.

Last year, using biofuel during the Tour de France enabled a reduction of 136,571 kg of CO2 for 48,826 litres used. The women's edition saw a reduction of 18,976 kg of CO2 thanks to the use of 6,784 litres of HVO biofuel.

Meanwhile, and for the first time, a 100% electric road tractor will travel from Mâcon to Nuits-Saint-Georges to be present in Saint-Vulbas, Nice – where the tour will finish for the first time in more than a century due to the event's proximity to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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 the Tour and XPO, the latter’s drivers are wearing uniforms made from organic materials and are all rigorously trained in eco-driving.

XPO: Prepared for the unexpected

Looking after bespoke logistics for a major sporting event like the Tour de France is hugely complex, with every potential hazard having to be considered and anticipated. 

Each edition is a new challenge that begins with precise analysis and scouting of the route to prepare the most efficient transport plans. 
XPO Logistics teams work closely with those at the Tour de France to ensure the smooth running of the 21 stages of the race within very tight deadlines. 

They also share a joint commitment to safety, with driving teams' expertise reflected in their preparation and strict compliance with the Tour's safety protocols.

Gómez adds: “Our partnership with the Tour de France began in 1980 and our strong commitment to making this event a success remains unchanged.”

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