The world’s biggest cycling competition is reaffirming its support for everyday cycling throughout summer 2020 by launching the Tour de France United.
From 27 June, the date on which pro riders where originally due to set off in Nice, through to 20 September, when the finish of the 107th edition will conclude on the Champs-Elysées, several initiatives will be ‘organised in partnership with associations that also believe in the social utility of cycling.’
From 27 June to 20 September, the Tour de France is calling upon the international community of cycling fans to support a series of actions with an aim to promote cycling, particularly in response to the constraints imposed by the Covid-19 health crisis.
To put smiles on the faces of children and make a real impact on the daily lives of underprivileged people, the Tour de France will be donating 1,500 bicycles to several partner organisations, both in France and abroad. A programme will therefore be organised to collect bicycles throughout the summer. The goal is to give 5,000 bicycles a new lease of life.
In addition to this pledge, the Tour de France is relying on fans to support the movement – with a call for donations via the letour.fr website.
‘A bicycle for everyone’ with Emmaüs
Discarded bicycles can become means of transport, often at the cost of simple repairs. This is the conclusion drawn by the Emmaüs association, which is an expert in recycling and is able to restore abandoned bikes in order to sell them at low prices. The Tour de France United is taking up the challenge of collecting 5,000 bikes (i.e. around 150 per stage town) and donating €30 per bike to Emmaüs to get them back up and running.
‘Bliss on a bike days’ with Secours Populaire Français
For more than 10 years, children have been invited to the finish of the Tour de France in partnership with Secours Populaire Français, whose usual operations for young people have been disrupted by the health crisis. However, around 20 Bliss on a bike days will be organised, benefiting nearly 400 children from underprivileged families affected by the crisis.
‘Heroes on Bikes’ with Qhubeka
The Tour de France supports the South African association Qhubeka every year, donating 176 bikes (the number of riders in the Tour peloton) to children living far from their schools. This year, the association has established the Heroes on Bikes programme aimed at equipping caregivers and social workers in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in South Africa who are involved in the fight against Covid-19. The Tour de France supports this initiative and will pick up the expense for nearly 1,000 bikes to be donated to Qhubeka.
Internationally, more than 200 bicycles will also be given to children from families in need – helped by associations such as BiJeVa in Belgium and Jeugd Fonds Sport en Cultuur in the Netherlands.
Fundraising
In addition to the direct assistance that it provides, the Tour is making itself useful by organizing and relaying a call for donations. Enthusiasts of the Grande Boucle can support the Tour de France United by heading to www.letour.fr.
