Coming on the heels of the long-awaited debut of the UCI's Pro Tour changes to road cycling, the international cycling body will launch its counterpart Slow Tour in 2007, aimed at promoting a clean sport and raising awareness of the dangers of performance enhancing drugs in the peloton. The Slow Tour will place a smaller emphasis on points accumulation and prize money at major races, choosing instead to reward riders who demonstrate good sportsmanship, a healthy lifestyle, and value honest competition over cut-throat competition in search of victory.
"Fans have always delighted in the 'Lanterne Rouge' in the Tour de France, paying tribute in a fun and supportive way to the rider finishing in last place," explained UCI spokesman Philippe Darenier. "There will always be a fight for the top, and the Pro Tour will reward the best riders and teams in the sport. But we want a way to recognize those that are riding on virtue alone, no matter where they finish in the general classification. For those riders, the Slow Tour gives new encouragement in the sport."
