During bicycle races - like Tour de France, do the motorcycles emit gas and isn't it annoying to the cyclists?

Question

In major bicycle tournaments, these motorcycles follow and are in front of the cyclists. Do these motorcycles/mopeds and even cars emit exhaust and isn't this really annoying to the competitors as they huff and puff through the course? Do they use electric powered vehicles?

Answer 1

No the motorcycles don't bother the riders at all. In fact one of the most often used training methods for competitive cyclists is something called motor pacing. Where they draft behind a motorcycle to simulate racing speeds. They will ride within a foot of the rear wheel of the motorcycle, and the wind easily dissipates any exhaust.

What can be irritating is all those spectators on the mountain stages. Talk about your gas.

Answer 2

they don't emit enough exhuast to matter, if they were like diesel trucks then you would have what you were thinking

Answer 3

Even local road races have a motorcycle or two to help control traffic and keep riders in the proper lane.  A motorcycle or two, running at the pretty slow speeds of a bicycle don't really pump out enough fumes to bother anyone.  When there are a number of motorcycles and chase cars, it can become pretty obnoxious.

Hope this helps.