Wim Vansevenant sets record for 3X Lanterne Rouge
Wim Vansevenant with his record-breaking Lanterne Rouge award: finishing last in three consecutive Tours de France, the 3rd and last time being in 2008.
Wim Vansevenant finished second to last today in the time trial. Vansevenant is safely in last place – the Lanterne Rouge – after today’s stage and will ride into Paris tomorrow to be the only man in history to win the Lanterne Rouge three times in a row. Gefeliciteerd Wim!
ODE TO THE LANTERNE ROUGE
The Lanterne Rouge goes to the one who is last
In this Tour and all Tours past
Like the yellow jersey it is an honor to behold
It goes to the man who is just as bold.
The Flemish press is also thrilled about Vansevenant’s achievement. And the Wall Street Journal wrote a profile about him.
Wim Vansevenant is still the Lanterne Rouge going into the Alps. He is a comfortable six minutes behind the second to the last in the general classement.
After today’s stage (number 16 from Cuneo to Jausiers), Frank Schleck is now wearing the yellow jersey but he is only 7 seconds ahead of Bernard Kohl and 8 seconds ahead of Cadel Evans, former holder of the yellow jersey. The race continues to be a tight one. Tomorrow’s dreaded Embrun to Alpe d’Huez stage (see official Tour de France video below) will probably determine who will win the Tour. Stay tuned!
