Odd News Roundup: Cycling-No more wooden medals for RideLondon finishers; Thais give digital spin to ancient 'floating basket' festival

Over the centuries, people have sent 'krathongs' - small, baskets made from plants and loaded with flowers, candles and bamboo - down waterways to make wishes and pay their respects to water spirits.

Following is a summary of current odd news briefs.

Cycling-No more wooden medals for RideLondon finishers

A lightweight wooden medal proved an inadequate reward for the thousands of amateur cyclists who completed the RideLondon mass participation event last year so organisers have bowed to pressure and will reinstate metal medallions instead. Eco-friendly wooden medals have become more common for sporting events and were introduced for RideLondon in 2022 in part to make the event more sustainable. But they have not been to everyone's liking.

Thais give digital spin to ancient 'floating basket' festival

Thai children crafted virtual rafts and sent them floating down digital rivers, in an environmentally friendly version of an ancient festival. Over the centuries, people have sent 'krathongs' - small, baskets made from plants and loaded with flowers, candles and bamboo - down waterways to make wishes and pay their respects to water spirits.

(With inputs from agencies.)