Award For Last Place In Tour De France
The Tour de France is an annual prestigious cycling race that lasts for three weeks and covers a total distance of over 3,500 kilometers across France and sometimes neighboring countries. The race is physically and mentally demanding, and only the fittest cyclists manage to finish it. But what about the cyclists who come last? Do they get any recognition for their effort?
The Lanterne Rouge
Coming last in the Tour de France is not easy, but there is a prize for the cyclist that does. The last place in the race is known as the "Lanterne Rouge," a French term for the red lantern that was hung at the back of the train to indicate its last carriage.
The Lanterne Rouge came into existence in the early years of the Tour de France, around 1903. During those days, cycling was considered a sport for the poor, and most of the cyclists were amateurs. The race was so tough that only a handful of riders managed to finish it, and the last-place rider was seen as the hero for persevering through the grueling race.
Today, the Lanterne Rouge has become a coveted prize for many riders, and it signifies the ultimate determination and perseverance. The Lanterne Rouge prize is usually a red lantern or a red light that is given to the last-place finisher. However, in recent years, the prize has become more of a symbolic gesture, and the last-place finisher is not always awarded a physical prize.
Why is the Lanterne Rouge important?
Finishing the Tour de France is a significant achievement in itself, but the Lanterne Rouge symbolizes much more than just finishing the race. The prize represents the spirit of the race, which is to push oneself to the limits and never give up, no matter how hard things get.
The Lanterne Rouge is also significant because it recognizes the hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for the Tour de France. The last-place finisher may not have won the race, but they have still managed to complete one of the most challenging sporting events in the world.
Furthermore, the Lanterne Rouge offers a sense of camaraderie among the riders, regardless of their finishing place. The last-place finisher is often greeted with the same respect and admiration as the winner, and their journey is just as important as that of the top-ranked riders.
The Controversy Surrounding Lanterne Rouge
Despite the significance of the Lanterne Rouge, the prize has been surrounded by controversy over the years. Some critics argue that the prize promotes mediocrity and defeatism and that it goes against the competitive nature of the race. Others believe that the prize is not adequately recognized and that the last-place finisher should receive more recognition and respect.
However, the majority of the cycling community view the Lanterne Rouge as an essential part of the Tour de France. The prize represents the true spirit of the race and is a testament to the perseverance and determination that it takes to complete the challenge.
Conclusion
The Lanterne Rouge is a symbolic prize that recognizes the last-place finisher in the Tour de France. Although the prize itself may not hold much physical value, it represents the spirit of the race and the determination and perseverance that it takes to complete the challenge. The Lanterne Rouge is a part of the rich history of the Tour de France and will continue to be an essential part of the race for years to come.