Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 7, 1993 TAG: 9305070152
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: GREENSBORO, N.C. LENGTH: Medium
The protest is aimed at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. because it makes chlorofluorocarbons. CFCs are coolants that are said to damage the earth's protective ozone layer. The demonstrators are calling for an immediate ban on CFCs.
The fifth annual international race is expected to bring thousands of people to Greensboro, with television coverage of the finish beamed to 93 nations.
The 11-day race began in Wilmington, Del., Thursday. It covers 1,100 miles in five states and will feature 126 of the world's best cyclists from 19 countries.
Environmentalists hope for more than 750 protesters near the finish line in Greensboro.
The protest will include an "Ozone Jam" concert and camp-out May 15 at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem.
"What we question is that Du Pont would promote something that's environmentally sound like biking, then produce CFCs and be America's largest producer of toxic materials," said Andy Lester, an Appalachian State University student who is organized the protest.
Du Pont spokesman Jerry Summers said the company is careful about the environmental impact of its chemicals. Du Pont plans to stop making CFCs next year, Summers said. Instead, it will produce a similar product that's less harmful.
"I don't understand how people get to be self-appointed judges of who should sponsor what," Summers said, noting Du Pont is paying about a third of the race's $7 million cost.
by CNB