Lastminute.com, an official partner of the Tour de France, has decided to honour the Lanterne Rouge (red lantern) of the Tour de France… ‘as a reminder that everyone, from the leader to the last-placed rider, must be congratulated.’
Lastminute.com will, (subject to the rider’s agreement and that of his team), honour the last-placed rider in the general classification prior to the final stage on July 24th at Paris La Défense Arena.
At this point, an amount paid to European children’s charity L’Envol charity will also be announced, calculated on the time gap between the last rider and the Yellow Jersey. The charity supports 4,000 young beneficiaries each year through its adapted holidays, hospital workshops, recreational outings and activity kits.
In March, lastminute.com and Le Tour organiser Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) announced an agreement making the online travel agency the official travel partner of the Tour de France for the next three seasons.
“Lastminute.com wanted to honour the red lantern of the Tour de France,” said Fabio Cannavale, CEO of Lastminute.com.
“As a key event in the annual sporting calendar, it is important to us to remember that every cyclist who crosses the finish line on the Champs-Elysées has had to face the difficulties of the Tour de France.
“This offbeat award celebrates both the resilience of a sportsman in the face of obstacles and that of sick children who, thanks to the lastminute foundation and the red lantern, can participate in a programme celebrating their strength, gain self-confidence and offer moments of happiness and joy in a holiday break for them and their families.
Julien Goupil, Media & Partnerships Director of Amaury Sport Organisation, said “The charity initiative involving the lanterne rouge of the final general classification proposed by Lastminute.com appealed to us.
“It allows us to support a worthwhile and useful cause. It is also a reminder that every rider who arrives in Paris should be acknowledged for their efforts made since Copenhagen.”
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www.lenvol.asso.fr
