The Tour de France in underway along with the Word Cup working up to its finale; both coping with record-setting temperatures.
We saw riders coping with the extreme heat on Stage 1 and now subsequent stages risked cancellation due to wildfires with ultimately spectators being banned. And that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. 😓
A recent World Economic Forum article outlined 6 ways that climate change is affecting sports around the world:
- The Olympics: 2024's edition was the hottest ever & spanned 22,000 square kilometres
- Grand slam for tennis: 2026's Australian Open had temps near 40°C & matches moved into roofed arenas to protect players and fans.
- New route for the Tour de France: As temperatures continue to rise, larger structural changes will need to happen – such as moving the race from July – to ensure the riders' safety and the event's future.
- Skiing towards a warming world: average snow thickness across the Europe has been shrinking by about 12% per decade, ~186 French ski resorts have permanently closed in recent years, while 265 abandoned ski stations had been counted in Italy by 2025.
- Moving marathons: After analysing 221 global races, the research found that 86% are expected to have worse conditions for marathon running for most runners by 2045
- Wildfire haze: More frequent wildfires across the globe are increasing pollution levels, which can exacerbate respiratory ailments as well as cardiovascular diseases. These risks could lead to as many as 9 million premature deaths per year by 2060
Sorry for the somber theme to start the week but despite the brutal scope, there is still hope! We'll all have to adapt to continue these sports and hopefully learn vital lessons from these reports.
By the way, Kristy is on a train to Paris for PRODAYS with Moustache. Drop her a line if you're also there!
thank you for reading and wishing you a nice week ahead,
Jon
p.s.
🎵 Tunes on deck this past week: Roosevelt Sports Club Vol.1 & The Robocop Kraus
We're turning 12 in '26 & offering 12% off paid subscriptions! If this newsletter is a valuable part of your week, give this offer a peek:
July
- 🇳🇱 7 MAAP Amsterdam PRIME Early Ride (6:45)
- 🇳🇱 8 Wheelrunner Wednesday AM Ride (6:30am)
- 🇳🇱 8 Chris van der Kaap's Bikepacken Book Launch
- 🇳🇱 9 Gregario Gossip Club Thursday AM Ride (7:15am)
- 🇳🇱 10 Maap LAB Amsterdam Summer Crit (Fixed Category too!)
August
Bikes
SILCA Introduces the Maratona WEB, and the Mattone WEB.
The Maratona WEB gear pack builds on a heritage of travel expertise and is SILCA's smartest, most versatile luggage piece yet. The Mattone Web is the most adaptable and affordable addition to the acclaimed Mattone seat pack lineup. Read more details in the Twotone newsroom.
Remco Tools Expands in Europe and Brings the EVT Right Arm Clamp to EU Mechanics
A Dutchman and The Tour Divide | An Interview with Laurens ten Dam
A very sweet & thorough interview with Laurens on the 4iiii blog. : )
Ideas
Newsletter market in 2026: $10 per month is default price but not ceiling
Decision Fatigue: Why You Feel Exhausted Without Having “Done” Anything Physically
María Sáez
A reminder why being process-driven makes such a difference in the the short and long term.
How to have so much energy it feels illegal
Nick
Ultimately, it's a remix of 'where attention goes, energy flows' & 'rest is best'. Nick has good advice & reminders in here.
Friends
Pedal For Pride 2026 | August 9th, 2026
The Principle Forward Episode 1: Ken Eby-Gomez
The Principle Forward is an interview series about what makes us move and evolve, stay curious, and jump into meaningful action to transform at least a small part of ourselves. What the initial episode about Ken Eby-Gomez of LBO Fietskoerier on YouTube or Insta. Awesome stuff, Kike!
My Friends in Angstmäler Are Opening For Poison Ruïn
Radness
Roosevelt Sports Club Vol.1
Thank you for reading!
Here's to still sporting despite climate change this week!