The Sepanso Calls for the Cancellation of a Motorcycle Race on the Beaches of Hossegor
Amidst the roaring bikes, the vibrating dunes, and the salty ocean breeze, the Ronde des Sables is a must-attend event for thrill-seekers. However, this legendary race on the beaches of Hossegor is causing a stir. With its 30th edition scheduled for November 2024, the event finds itself in the eye of the storm. An environmental protection group, Sepanso, is demanding its cancellation, calling it an “aberration.” On the other side, the organizers and the French Motorcycling Federation are standing firm. Grab your helmet, as we dive into this clash between motorsport enthusiasts and environmental defenders.
Showdown Between Sepanso and Ronde des Sables
Sepanso des Landes isn’t wasting any time beating around the bush. In a recent statement, the group highlights the environmental damage caused by the Ronde des Sables. They argue that the dunes, already battered by marine erosion, take a massive hit during the race. To them, revving bikes in a fragile ecosystem is a sheer heresy that needs to stop immediately.
Stretching 6.5 km between the beaches of Soorts-Hossegor and Seignosse, the course is at the heart of the controversy. Sepanso accuses the preparatory work with construction machinery of turning these beaches into construction zones for two weeks. And when the 950 riders start their engines, it’s around 5,000 hours of riding, equivalent to 70 round trips between Paris and New York, which exacerbates the issue. These figures have left the organizers fuming.
The Other Side: Organizers Respond
On the organizers’ side, they’re not just sitting back in the face of criticism. President of the Moto Club des Plages, Cédric Boizieau, staunchly defends the race. For him, everything is done by the book. The track avoids the dunes’ most sensitive areas, and the bikes are meticulously maintained to prevent any spill on the sand. To top it off, a waterproof mat is laid in the refueling zones to minimize damage as much as possible.
As for the figures presented by Sepanso, the French Motorcycling Federation dismantles them. According to them, the race only accounts for 4% of the event’s total environmental footprint. That’s hardly planet-threatening, they argue.
Motorsports: Between Image and Sustainability
Beyond the ecological complaints, it’s the very image of motorsports that’s under scrutiny. Let’s face it, bikes often evoke pollution and noise. And in an era where every gram of CO2 is monitored, criticism is constant. But the organizers know they must adapt. According to them, the Ronde des Sables is making efforts to stick to the rules: optimized tracks, eco-friendly practices, you name it.
For Cédric Boizieau, the stakes go beyond this singular race. It’s the future of motorcycle sports that’s at risk. If we start ruling out events like this, an entire culture could face a rearview mirror hit.
Environment and Compromise: Finding the Right Path
Of course, we can’t ignore the protection of dunes and natural spaces. The fragility of these areas deserves serious attention. But is banning the Ronde des Sables the ultimate solution? Not necessarily. After all, the organizers claim they’re already limiting the impacts. Perhaps another approach is possible: revising the course, choosing less sensitive areas, or reducing the carbon footprint by optimizing logistics. One thing is certain, bikers and ecologists need to find common ground. Because ultimately, it’s dialogue that can save the race… and the dunes.
