A man who was waving a sign board very close to the cyclists caused a massive crash during the first stage of Tour de France, with dozens of athletes crashing in a pileup.
According to the news portal Cycling.com, German rider Tony Martin was hit by a cardboard sign saying “Allez Opi-Omi!” (loosely translated as “Go, Grandpa!”), and then fell, breaking the squad, with many members of his team Jumbo-Visma falling as well.
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A fan just caused a MASSIVE crash at the very beginning of the Tour De France ???? pic.twitter.com/6q5TwQRBdU
— Blake Harms (@wxblakeharms) June 26, 2021
Who is this stupid moron?? Caused the worst crash the #tourdefrance history.
— Andres Vargas (@andresvargas) June 27, 2021
The authorities are now looking for her because obviously, ran away.#FindTheMoron #TourDeFrance2021 #TourDeFrancecrash #Whoisinthisphoto pic.twitter.com/VNI4X2TGBm
At least 21 riders are believed to have been injured as a result.
Later, another crash occurred just six miles away from the finish line.
Segunda caída en el arranque de #TDF2021. Froome entró a meta tras hacerse mucho daño. Honor.pic.twitter.com/nctsCPZpga
— Domingo Ortiz (@Domingortiz) June 26, 2021
The official Twitter account of Tour de France later addressed the incident on social media.
“We’re glad to have the public on the side of the road on the #TDF2021”, the post said. “But for the Tour to be a success, respect the safety of the riders! Don’t risk everything for a photo or to get on television!”
In the meantime, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) filed a complaint against the fan, who fled the scene after the crash, according to Ouest-France.
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Per reports, Martin managed to re-join the competition despite the road rash, while Germany’s Jasha Sutterlin had to withdraw due to injuries.
Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images