Green flag
In cycling races, the green flag placed on the broom wagon is an important visual signal indicating the end of the race. This vehicle travels at the very back of the event and has a clear role within the organisation and safety of the race: to show that there are no more riders behind the peloton and that the race zone is now closed.
In professional cycling, organised under the authority of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the order of the race convoy is strictly regulated. The broom wagon forms the final boundary of the race. The green flag attached to it makes this role immediately recognisable.
The main function of the green flag is therefore to mark the closure of the race. Once the broom wagon has passed, it means the route behind the peloton is fully “cleared”. Riders still behind this vehicle are generally considered to be out of the race. This can happen due to missing the time limit, mechanical issues, or other reasons preventing a rider from staying within the required time cut.
The green flag also serves as a visual signal for organisers and road traffic management. Along the course, marshals, police officers and volunteers are responsible for safety. When the broom wagon with the green flag passes, they know that the entire race has gone through and that traffic can gradually be reopened. This is essential in major races where roads are temporarily closed.
For riders, the green flag has a clear but sometimes difficult meaning: when they are caught by the broom wagon, they know their participation in the race has officially ended. This is especially visible in major stage races such as the Tour de France, where time limits are strict and the peloton rides at a high pace.
The green flag also plays a practical role in communication within the race convoy. Team cars, commissaires’ vehicles and medical cars can use it as a reference to determine whether the race zone is still active or already in the process of being cleared. This helps ensure a safe and well-organised event.
Historically, the broom wagon has become an essential part of cycling races. In the early days of the sport, signals were less clear and it was common for dropped riders to remain on the course for a long time. With the introduction of official support vehicles and clear visual signals such as the green flag, race organisation became much more structured.
In summary, the green flag on the broom wagon symbolises the end of the race zone. It marks the rear boundary of the event, provides clarity for riders and organisers, and helps safely reopen the roads to normal traffic. It is a simple but essential signal that contributes to the order, safety and structure of cycling races.
