The Broom Wagon is the affectionate name for the vehicle that follows a Cycle Road Race

Road bicycle racing

Road bicycle racing is a bicycle racing sport held on roads, using racing bicycles. The term "road racing" is usually applied to events where competing riders start simultaneously with the winner being the first to the line at the end of the course .Historically, the most...

 picking up stragglers (or sweeping them up) who are unable to make it to the finish of the race within the time permitted.

In the Tour de France

Tour de France

The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...

 the vehicle used was traditionally a Citroën H Van

Citroën H Van

The Citroën H Van, Type H, H-Type or HY is a light truck produced by the French car maker Citroën between 1947 and 1981. It was developed as a simple front wheel driven van after World War II. A total of 473,289 were produced in 34 years in factories in France and Belgium...

. The expression broom wagon is a translation of the French, voiture balai, and it was seen first at the Tour de France 1910. The broom wagon of the Tour de France did indeed once carry a broom fixed above the driver's cab - except in the years that it was sponsored by a vacuum-cleaner company.

The usage of a broom wagon has expanded to other sports events - especially in marathon

Marathon

The marathon is a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres , that is usually run as a road race...

 events a broom wagon is a common feature. In the various marathon races many people from the neighbourhood join in who are not able to reach the finish line within time such that the broom wagon puts an end to their effort. Also offroad races like the Dakar Rally

Dakar Rally

The Dakar Rally is an annual rally raid type of off-road automobile race, organised by the Amaury Sport Organisation...

 have come to use a broom wagon that follows on the track picking up motorists who have broken down in between.

The broom wagon is colloquially known as the sag wagon. SAG is an acronym which stands for Supplies and Gear. By extension, cycle-touring groups which have a vehicle to carry their luggage and food are now said to be "sagged" in that they have a vehicle that carries supplies and gear for the participants in the ride.

broom bike

Following bike/running races there is usually a "broom bike". Bigger races use a motorcycle but smaller events
will be a marshall on his own bicycle. He sweeps the course to ensure that it is clear. Whilst it cannot pick up incapacitated competitors it may offer limited mechanical assistance and phone for assistance.