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So said Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief, after he was elected in November.

Christiana Figueres, chair of the board of Earthshot trustees, has led a number of negotiations on international climate accords during a long career pushing for global climate solutions.

As a Costa Rican, Ms Figueres said it was a significant moment to see Brazil host the prize.

"That doesn't help but it doesn't stop the progress either," Ms Figueres said.

The Volta's second stage takes the riders 177.3km from Banyoles to Figueres on Tuesday, with the seven-stage race concluding in Barcelona on Sunday.