What does “Red Lantern” mean?
The term originally comes from the world of railways: A red lantern used to hang at the end of a train to signal that no carriage was missing. Applied to the Tour de France, the "Lanterne Rouge" refers to the rider who is in last place in the overall standings after the final stage.
But anyone who thinks this place is a symbol of failure is seriously mistaken. Finishing the tour—no matter where you finish—is already a heroic feat .
Glory despite being behind
Many cycling fans know: only a fraction of the starters reach Paris. The rigors of the mountains, the high pace on the flat, wind echelons, crashes, and time limits – all of this takes its toll. Those who persevere over three weeks have more stamina than many others, even if they lose minutes or hours every day.
The "red lantern" is thus a symbol of tenacity, fighting spirit, and perseverance . It's no wonder, then, that some riders even deliberately aim for last place because it brings media attention—and sometimes even higher entry fees for subsequent criterium races.
Famous Red Lanterns
Some names are unforgettable:
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Wim Vansevenant of Belgium is the only rider to finish last in the Tour three times in a row (2006–2008) .
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Abdel-Kader Zaaf , an Algerian driver from the 1950s, became a legend when he allegedly drove in the wrong direction after suffering from a heat-induced fainting spell – although this anecdote is now considered a myth.
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Sébastien Chavanel , brother of Sylvain Chavanel, carried the red lantern in 2015 – and later said he was proud to have made it to Paris at all.
Last place as a tactic?
Some riders deliberately exploited this position. Why? Those who are too far back in the standings are often no longer considered a threat by the competition, giving them more freedom to attempt a breakaway . Furthermore, as already mentioned, last place can be a media hit, especially for smaller teams fighting for attention.
No room for ridicule
Anyone who mocks last place doesn't understand the Tour. While some of the favorites drop out of the race after a crash or due to exhaustion, the last-place finisher continues day after day – despite being behind, in pain, and sometimes lacking team support .
He is proof that cycling is not just about winning, but also about perseverance and fighting until the last stage .
Conclusion: The true meaning of the Red Lantern
The “Red Lantern” tells an important story: Those who persevere deserve respect – no matter what position they are in.
The Tour de France thrives not only on its winners, but also on those who ride in the shadow of the greats. They are the ones who show how tough, honest, and human cycling can be. And they remind us that sometimes you win more if you simply don't give up .
