The Lanterne Rouge — Last, But Not Least

In the early days of railway trains, a specific carriage was attached to the rear of the train to provide the crew some shelter while carrying out inspections and from this last carriage a red lantern was hung. As long as the red lantern could be observed it meant that none of the cars had become detached from the train. In French, this was called the Lanterne Rouge.

Today, the Lanterne Rouge is the name given to the cyclist who places last in the Tour de France. And this isn't a dishonour! Not in the slightest!

From the very first Tour de France in 1903 the Lanterne Rouge was in effect. It was actually a distinction for a cyclist to attain this title as it reflected his determination, perseverance and endurance throughout the race. It was also better monetarily to place last than second-to-last. In addition to his salary, the Lanterne Rouge was paid appearance fees (reportedly sizeable) to ride in exhibition races held across Europe after the Tour de France was over, which races also included appearances by the winner and other riders who earned other titles.

Through the years cyclists actually competed for last place. They would hide at points along the route or feign injury just to clock the longest time it took to cover the course. However, there is a set time in which the course must be covered. A cyclist couldn’t be ridiculously slow in arriving at the finish and claim the title. If his time fell outside the limit, he'd be disqualified entirely from the race.

I couldn't quite determine if the Tour organizers still have regard for the Lanterne Rouge. Googling didn't turn up too much and most of what I've learned came from a sports journalist's blog about it. Whatever their view, the title still draws alot of admiration for the cyclist who claims it, as was a Dutch cyclist's experience this year when he had the title until he crashed and a Belarus rider won it in the end. Nevertheless, he was still a hero in his homeland.

It is interesting that a last-placed cyclist is not a poor rider. Neither is he someone who's usually good but happened to have a bad ride during the Tour. The reality is that that very rider may have won one of the 21 stages, which is a very good achievement. Also, since cycling is a team sport, he would have worked hard for the sake of a team member for most days of the race.

And it is after doing all of that, and coming in last of all, that he's very much admired in his home country for becoming the Lanterne Rouge.

Jimmy Casper (France) was the Lanterne Rouge of 2004