SHOOT: I think in order to clear the heart of its pain you have to clear the mind, and the best way to do that is through vigorous exercise, and the voluntary introduction of physical pain.
What is the last thing that you would give convicts jailed for offences such as murder, mugging, theft and drug-dealing? A bicycle and an invitation to pedal off, perhaps. In that case you would be out of tune with the aspirations of the French Prison Service, which has released almost 200
criminals to cycle around the country on what is officially called the Penitentiary Tour de France 2009.
The initiative is part of a plan to empty France’s overcrowded and under-financed jails — although not, it has to be stressed, by encouraging a mass break-out. No, the cyclists are expected to return to their cells enriched by the values of team sport and self-responsibility and ready for early release.
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