Partner Article

I want to ride my bicycle... to freedom

Around 200 French prisoners will be given an excellent opportunity for an escape attempt next month as they set off on their own version of the Tour de France.

The first penal version of the famous bicycle race will see 196 prisoners cycling in a tight pack, accompanied by 124 guards and prison sports instructors.

Witty prisoner Daniel (last name withheld) said: “It’s a kind of escape for us, a chance to break away from the daily reality of prison. If we behave well, we might be able to get released earlier, on probation.”

The prisoners’ Tour de France will take them 1,400 miles around the country, starting in the northern city of Lille on Thursday 4 June and stopping in 17 towns, each of which has a prison. Participants will, however, be sleeping in hotels.

Sylvie Marion of the prison authorities said: “This project aims to help these men reintegrate into society by fostering values like effort, teamwork and self-esteem. We want to show them that with some training, you can achieve your goals and start a new life.”

As long as those goals don’t include escaping, of course.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .