Exemplary Welser

Paying attention to the environment: “Green” awards at cycling races

Josef Dirnbauer was honored.(Bild: Picasa)

Organizers have to pay more and more attention to the environment when organizing their major events, so-called "green events" are fashionable and necessary in this day and age. However, the fact that even cyclists are honored for their "green" behavior at races is quite surprising. 

The "Hyundai Ioniq 6" was rated the most environmentally friendly car by the German ADAC in the 2023 Eco Test. Also because the Korean car has an absolute top value of 15.5 kWh per 100 kilometers.

However, it is surprising that such "green" awards also exist in cycling. Especially as members of the Felt Felbermayr team from Wels were also somewhat irritated that Josef Dirnbauer not only came a strong fourth in the overall ranking at the start of the 50th Circuit des Ardennes (2.2) in France, but also received a badge as the "most eco rider", i.e. the rider who pays the most attention to the environment.

Josef Dirnbauer pedaled to the finish line in fourth place and as the "greenest" rider.(Bild: RSW)

France attaches great importance to it
"Especially in France, they attach great importance to it, they started a few years ago. But this award and the fact that people pay attention to it doesn't happen very often," says Head of Sport Rupert Hödlmoser, who doesn't really know why his rider was the "greenest". "As with the most combative rider, this is probably determined by the jury. As Joe was the focus of attention in the leading group and didn't throw any garbage away, but gave it to me in the car, he was obviously chosen," says Hödlmoser.

Postscript: "You are only allowed to throw away your bottles and any garbage in so-called green zones and he was very good about it." Exemplary!