200 French prisoners to cycle freely in Tour de France-style teamwork project
Last updated 28/05/2009 10:03:16
200 French prisoners to cycle freely in Tour de France style
Close to 200 prisoners will cycle around France next month, watched by scores of guards on bicycles, in the first penal version of the Tour de France - to foster values like teamwork and effort.
Reuters reports that the 196 prisoners will cycle in a pack and breakaway sprints will not be allowed. They will be accompanied by 124 guards and prison sports instructors.
"It's a kind of escape for us, a chance to break away from the daily reality of prison," said Daniel, a 48-year-old prisoner in the western city of Nantes, at the official launch of the event. "If we behave well, we might be able to get released earlier, on probation," he told reporters.
The prisoners' Tour de France will take them 2,300 km (1,400 miles) around the country, starting in the northern city of Lille on June 4 and stopping in 17 towns, each of which has a prison. However, participants will sleep in hotels. The finish line will be in Paris, following Tour de France tradition.
"This project aims to help these men reintegrate into society by fostering values like effort, teamwork and self-esteem," said Sylvie Marion of the prison authorities.
"We want to show them that with some training, you can achieve your goals and start a new life," she said.
Source: www.reuters.com