Through the years the team has also contributed to the improvement of the environment in other ways. Since our sportsmen need a healthy environment to practice sport, they have frequently organized environmental activities such as tree planting, clean ups, and recycling raw materials, such as tires, iron and aluminium cans. These athletes donate these raw materials to the State for recycling and in this way contribute to the development of a sustainable economy, as well as ensuring a healthy environment that allows us to practice sport in a safe arena. ? ?

Report by: Alfonso Rudybelsi Melgarejo Esquijarosa
Advisor: MSc. Fernando Emilio Valladares Fuentes

My company, JALUX, is involved in the event and we handed out eco-stickers to the 1100 Japanese participants. We also handed out a questionnaire and gave eco-cards to 300 cyclist at the packet pick-up. Awareness seems to be high among cyclists and the Ecoflag at the finish line was well received.

GSA Tennozu Captain, Akiko Baba

The Eco-Cyclo Patrol is spearheading the ECO CYCLING program, backed by the FFC, as part of its of Sustainable Cycling Action Plan.

More than 60 cyclists have taken part in the Patrol across 22 events on the regional, national and international levels, reaching more than 58,000 cyclists of all ages and levels.

A number of former champions, business leaders and media personalities have publicly supported these actions and we look optimistically to an even more committed season in 2010.

Thank you to the Patrol for their perseverance and commitment, to the partners that engaged with the Patrol and the organizers convinced of the need for this program.

Starting and finishing at Yamanakako in Yamanashi prefecture, the event has attracted an increasing number of participants each year, reaching 1500 cyclists in 2009. GSA supporters take part each year and there was a GSA Booth set up as usual.

An environmental forum was held on 12th with GSA Executive Director, Tatsuo Okada, Perimeter Bicycling Association of America's, Richard DeBernardis and former pro-cyclist Jamie Carne taking part. Clean ups are also organized around the event, which is contributing in the campaign to make Mt. Fuji a world heritage site.

Nearly a thousand participants took part in the event that features 3 legendary cols of the Tour de France--the difficult Port Bales (1755 m), made famous by the 2007 Tour, the Col de Mente (1349 m), and the Col du Portillon (1293 m).

In an environment this sumptuous, the behavior of cyclists was generally good although some garbage was discarded at the foot of the Col des Ares.

In the general course of 156 kilometers and 3400 meters in altitude, Maxime Martin was the first to cross the finish line ahead of Mathieu Dumont and Laurent Four. Karine SAYSSET ended unsurprisingly the top ranking female.

At the finish all competitors found themselves in a very friendly atmosphere around an excellent meal and unanimously recognized the quality of the course and organization.

Thank you to Brigitte Lapebie for a warm welcome and the quality of his work.

The 2009 La Lapebie Eco Cyclo-Patrol
- Emile Arbes
- Pierre Gadiou
- Jean-Christophe Massoubre
- Manuel Pina

Report by Pierre Gadiou

It was a great race, with great organization. Bravo and thank you to Andre Pezet and his team.

L'Etape Sanfloraine 2009 Patrol

- Camille MOURIN
- Jeremie BESSIERE
- Franck FOURNIER
- David SAN FILIPPO
- Jacques RUSSIAS
- Thierry FIRMIN

The 2009 edition was a huge success with 330 participants, who appreciated the beauty of the landscapes and the warm welcome from volunteers of the Baretous Valley.

The Eco-Cyclo Patrol congratulates all participants for their respect for the environment with very few exceptions. A mention also for the organizers, who with the assistance of Bearn Initiatives Environment (BIE) set up information panels and recyclable tableware.

The Pierre Jacques 2009 Patrol:
- Emile Arbes
- Jacques Barthou
- Pierre Gadiou
- Didier Garat
- Jean Christophe Massoubre
- Philippe Pouey
- Raymond Trey

Report by Pierre Gadiou

Ecocyclo Blog

More than 100 committed cyclists worked throughout the event to promote environmentally friendly attitudes and the organizer�fs efforts to promote awareness paid off beyond expectations. While some fans still have not seen the benefits of eco-citizen behavior in their sport, environmental awareness now blazes a trail through the most beautiful Cyclosportive events in the cycling calendar.

Finally, French Champion, Dimitri Champion highlighted the Patrol�fs message at the event start line. The event joins other famous French "Cycling for All" events such as the Ardechoise and the Ariegeoise, events in Spain, Italy, and soon Germany and the UK. The Eco-Cyclo Patrol will be present throughout the events to convey a message of Eco-citizenship.

The 2009 l'Etape du Tour Mondovelo Eco-Cyclo Patrol:

Anne Haycraft, Helen Bevis, Muriel Tache, Pierre Gadiou, Jean Luc Lacoste, Stephane Perrot, Didier Garat, Bastien Garat, Sebastien Jousserand, Thierry Firmin, Emile Arbes, Philippe Bruant, Pierre Guerif, Jacques Barthou, Philippe Pouey, Jean Yves Royer, Thierry Saint Leger, Denis Boissiere, Thierry Bedos, Sebastien Gissinger, Laurent Lanfranchi, Andre Perez, Mark Haycraft, Camille Fabre, Jose Acedo, David Ducros, Franck Taysse

Report by Patrick Francois

Ecocyclo Blog

7 July 2009--The fifteenth "Hubert Arbes", organized by the Lourdes Cycling Club, attracted over 900 participants to Lourdes including a large contingent of Spanish cyclists.

The great journey of 165 km and 3300 meters in altitude included two mythical climbs of the Pyrenees: Col du Tourmalet (2115 m) and Col du Soulor (1474m), which were included for the first time in 1910 at the first Tour de France.

The competitors' behavior was exemplary and few packages were thrown on the road. Even the event doctor of the event was wearing a green jersey for Eco-awareness.

Nicolas Amblard Mazamet came finished first in 5:12 before Francis Torres and Spanish cyclist, Patxi Urizar Otamendi. The organization of the event was remarkable in every respect.

The Eco-Cyclo Patrol for the Hubert Arbes:

- Jacques Barthou
- Philippe Bruant
- Pierre Gadiou
- Pierre Guerif
- Sebastien Jousserand
- Jean-Christophe Massoubre
- Manu Pina

Report by Pierre Gadiou

Ecocyclo Blog

The Ariegeoise reached a new stage in 2009 with its participation in the "Trophee Sud Eco Tour" (South Eco Tour Trophy) with our friends "Sud Velo Ne Jetez Plus". The Eco-Cyclo Patrol was present as always, enhancing the impact of the SET among the 3750 participants in the Ariegeoise 2009 on Saturday 27 June.

Eco-Cyclo Patrol of the Ariegeoise 2009

- Pierre Gadiou
- Emile Arbes
- Laurent Derain
- Sebastien Jousserand
- Christophe Massoubre
- Philippe Bruand
- Pierre Guerif
- David Tomes

Report by Patrick Francois

Ecocyclo Blog

Mistler Gerard and the team that organizes the Ardechois place environmental values and sustainable development at the heart of their management methodology and they are pioneering supporters of the Eco Cycle Program.

The emphasis this year was on safety and respect for the environment, with excellent communication between the EcoCyclo Patrol and particpants, and an excellent waste management system.

The Ardechoise Patrol 2009:

- Sebastien Gissinger
- Jean Luc Lacoste
- Philippe Imbert
- Laurent Lanfranchi
- Dominique Derain
- Laurent Derain

Ecocyclo Blog

The Quebrantahuesos, which straddles the French-Spanish border, is a unique and magical event that offers a feast for the eyes.

The sponsor of the event, Joan Llanera, was an Olympic champion in track cycling in Beijing and some Spanish cycling, such as Escartin, Olano, and Beloki also honored the event by taking part.

Setting up many information boards and countless bins and water tanks, with the distribution of bottles, encouraged competitors to respect nature, although significant resources were in place to collect waste along the route, discarded by some participants.

Eco Bike Patrol thank Roberto Iglesias and his team for their warm welcome, a symbol of friendship between border organizers of cycling.

Eco Bike Patrol of Quebrantahuesos 2009:
- Emile Arbes
- Jacques Barthou
- Philippe Bruant
- Pierre Gadiou
- Didier Garat
- Philippe Pouey
- Manu Pina

Report by Pierre Gadiou
Ecocyclo Blog

Eco Bike Patrol was particularly motivated by this beautiful environment surrounding the small town of Meyrueis , and it is clear that attitudes among cyclists are changing in the directionof eco-citizenship.

Denis Boissiere and his enterprising young team, have another success to celebrate.

The Eco Cyclo Patrol of the Midi Libre Cycl'Aigoual 2009:

- Patrick Francois
- Alain Devita
- Stephane Perrot
- David San Filippo
- James Beaumont
- Camille Mourin
- Pierre Hermand

This is an opportunity for a reunion fans of the corner after three months will have the opportunity to review the many organized cycling in the mountains. Initially, at Laroin in the suburbs of Pau, the atmosphere is very friendly once again under a clear sky after heavy rain the previous day that have discouraged many participants. Andre Darrigade, sponsor of the 156 km event, started the event and groups formed quickly as the event rode through green slopes towards the valley of Ossau by the pretty towns of Bruges and Louvie-Juzon.

At the foot of the Col d'Aubisque, thebiggest challenge of the day, the Raymond Mastrotto trophy (donated by his wife Colette) was up for grabs, causing a great fight between the best riders. The sublime descent of the Litor ridge unfortunately saw a few riders offload their waste, but were soon taken to task. Fortunately, such behaviors becomes increasingly rare.

The Eco Bike Patrol thank Jean-Jacques Techene and the entire organizing team for their hospitality and congratulate them for their event, winning ana ward for the "sport, education and sustainable development" for sporting events and cultural eco-responsible in Aquitaine in 2009.

The Bearn Cycl'Espoir Eco Cyclo Patrol:

- Emile Arbes
- Philippe Bruant
- Pierre Gadiou
- Pierre Guerif
- Didier Garat
- Philippe Pouey
- Manu Pina

The Eco Cyclo Patrol was there too with 600 of the 917 cyclists registered (the weather was indeed a deterrent to some) and as the peloton climbed through the villages, they were applauded warmly by the residents. Participants were again encouraged to be eco-citizens and the organizers, led by the indefatigable Patrick BLIGNY, have fully supported the presence of the Patrol. Elected officials and dignitaries at the head of which we find the President of the Burgundy Region, Francois PATRIAT, were involved in setting the 107-km course and enjoyed the presence of the Patrol.

It only remains to hope that 2010 will finally be sunny after the storms of 2008 and 2009, so that the crowd can enjoy the event they deserve. The Chiappucci 2009 Patrol

- Patricia Berthelier
- Jeremie BESSIERE
- Franck FOURNIER
- Jean Yves ROYER
- Andre PEREZ

Finally, thank you to Maurice Franck for his commitment and his kindness. Respect for the environment, the riders, and the region is not an empty word for him--in perfect concordance with Eco Cyclo values.

The roads of Landes remained clean and unlittered after the passage of 550 cyclists on the two courses--150 and 100 kms. The patrol will take away excellent memories of the excellent arrangements and hospitality that they received, they will be back next year!

Note: the patrol for the first time this season, was present in two events during the weekend of 23/24 May, the Sisteron and Luis Ocana.

The patrol of the 2009 Luis Ocana:
- Manu PINA
- Emile ARBES
- Philippe BRUANT
- Didier GARAT
- Camille Mourin

It was the Eco-Cyclo Patrol's first mission to Sisteron and field observations suggest very clearly that the behavior of cyclists showed a genuine awareness of environmental issues. It is indeed great to follow the pack without riding on multicolored paper and plastic packaging!

The 2009 Sisteron Eco-Cyclo Patrol
- Ana Monzier.
- Christophe Pagat.
- Jean Luc Lacoste.
- Herve Jouniaux.
- Philippe Imbert.
- Patrick Francois.

The report of the Eco Bike Patrol: Only a few packages were found on the pavement, and they probably fell accidentally from pockets. It must be said that the arrangements put in place by the organizers worked well.

Patricia Berthelier

900 cycling enthusiasts took part in the event that is set in the heart of an exceptional natural environment. The organizers fully understood the objectives of ECO Cyclo, and the information was repeated by the facilitators of the event.

The technical management of waste with appropriate signage reflected the commitment to sustainable cycling, the partipantswere rewarded with an exceptional event beyond their expectations.

Bisou has now established itself as one of the events in the Eco Cycle Program.

The Bisou patrol 2009:
- Laure RICO RUSSIAS
- Hugues RICO
- Sebastien GISSINGER
- Jean Yves ROYER
- Jeremie BESSIERE
- Franck FOURNIER

Report by Patrick Francois, French Cycling Federation

This first attempt in the international Pro Cycling Tour was a great success and we'll probably continue this initiative in the future.

The Japanese Pro Cyclist Fumi Beppu was one of the nominated cyclists at the third stage.

All information (in French) on the Green Number initiative can be found on the ECO CYCLO Blog site.

Report by Patrick Francois, French Cycling Federation

1. Flying the Ecoflag with one of the competitors before the beginning of the VTT Tour.
2. The first round of competitors in front of the Ecoflag.
3.Challenge is on!
4. The winner of the tour taking a final sprint.
5. GSA Douala adviser, Simon Ngopang, a former cycling ace in Cameroon between 1990-2000. He is Regional coach of cycling in the Douala, Littoral Region, and is lending his support to the competitors by handing out water.
6. Vice-Chairman of la Ligue Regionale du Cyclisme du Littoral, Mr Kussi, congratulates the runner up.

8. Chairman of la Ligue Regionale du Cyclisme du Littoral, Mr Honore Yossi, congratulates the winner.
9. Here you can see the Ecoflag flowing behind all the participants (the officials, the administrative bureau of la Ligue Regionale du Cyclisme du Littoral, some team presidents, and all the young competitors).

Report by Jean Philippe Kono Amougou, Team Captain GSA Douala

Photo 1: The Tour started in front of the biggest and the most popular sports shop here named "CITY SPORT ".
Photo 2: The newly elected Chairman of "La League Regionale Du Cyclisme du Littoral", Mr Honore Yossi, next to one of my players, Ernest Ndongue, and myself.
Photo 3: The Secretary General of "La League Regionale Du Cyclisme du Littoral"
Photo 4: Cooperating with experts, specialist and institution, local Red Cross volunteers lend their support to running an environmentally friendly event.
Photo 5: Two of the former strikers of cycling in the Littoral region who came to lend their support in this occasion to the new elected board and the young participants in this event.
Photo 6: Event officials put the Ecoflag on the guide motor of the Tour.
Photo 7, 8: The Ecoflag flying proudly on the Tour.
Photo 9: Mr Honore Yossi with the entire official staff of the Tour.

Report by Jean Philippe Kono Amougou, Team Captain GSA Douala

Pro racers from the Bridgestone Anchor and NIPPO Endeka teams were on hand to help at the event, which was held to encourage people to enjoy cycling for the first time.

23 people took their first ride at the event and while enjoying the new sport, also learned about promoting environmental awareness and action through the concepts of 'fair play' and Ecoplay.