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 his 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. The amount paid to “L’Envol” charity will also be announced, calculated on the time gap between the last rider and Yellow Jersey.
This past March, lastminute.com and Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) announced a new agreement making the online travel agency the official travel partner of the Tour de France for the next three seasons. For lastminute.com, this collaboration is associated with a solidarity campaign based on the last-placed rider to finish this 109th edition.
While the red lantern will be able to take advantage of holiday packages offered by the tour operator, “L’Envol” charity will receive a check via the lastminute.com foundation. This organisation provides programmes adapted to patients between the ages of six and twenty-five and their families. “L’Envol” has helped them find strength and confidence to live better during or after the disease and take a break from isolation since 1977. “L’Envol” provides free support to more than 4,000 beneficiaries each year through its adapted holidays, hospital workshops, recreational outings and activity kits.
“L’Envol” is a member of the international “SeriousFun Children” network, uniting 30 associations and camps working for sick children worldwide and has helped a million kids and their family members. The gap between the winner and the last rider of the 2022 Tour de France will be used to calculate the final donation.
"lastminute.com wanted to honour the red lantern of the Tour de France. 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 to a programme celebrating their strength, gain self-confidence and offer moments of happiness and joy in a holiday break for them and their families."
Fabio Cannavale, CEO of Lastminute.com
"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."
Julien Goupil, Media & Partnerships Director of Amaury Sport Organisation
"As Ourielle, 15 years old, says: "At L’Envol, I learned that I could be me, even if I am sick.” Resilience is a key element that children and parents develop in the programs of our association. This project around the lanterne rouge is perfectly in line with the values of L’Envol and we are very grateful to be associated with it!"
Eva Toccanier, Development and Communication Manager of L’Envol association
Never give up, never let go, finish at all costs.
