In 1986, the year of the Chornobyl explosion, the route of the race was extended to Kiev, in order to prove to the world that nothing had happened. Some of the teams protested and pulled out of the race.
A little white dove logo was the symbol of the race. In 1955, various gadgets were distributed across Poland, such as bandanas, ties, cycling hats, silk scarves, cigarettes, and even chocolate bars, candy, and fruit salad, all bearing the logo of the Peace Race. Today, bicycle gadgets from the era found their way into contemporary popular culture.
Now, we circle back to Bolesław Prus. If there are any more bicycle-sceptics here, maybe his words will change their minds:
And so, reader! If you have money, get yourself a bicycle. Don’t think that some sort of devil resides in it, do not fear the difficulties of learning how to ride, do not underestimate it as a toy, but learn to ride and go out as often as possible, and as far outside the city as you can. In a short period of time, you will gain muscle mass, you will sleep better, have a better appetite and good humour, you will become a healthy and courageous person, and you will thank the undersigned person for having so fervently encouraged you in the year 1891.
Written by Patryk Zakrzewski, May 2016; translated by Paulina Schlosser, Dec 2017
Sources: Cykliści. Sympatycy, Pasjonaci, Mistrzowie 1886-1939 (editor’s translation: Cyclists. Sympathisers, Hotheads, Masters), Warsaw 2010; 100 lat Warszawskiego Towarzystwa Cyklistów, 100 Lat Kolarstwa Polskiego by Bogdan Tuszyński (editor’s translation: 100 Years of the Warsaw Cyclists’ Society, 100 Years of the Polish Cycling), Warsaw 1986