An idiot fan pushing his cell phone out toward racers caused a massive pile-up that sent nearly two dozen racers crashing to the ground during Sunday’s Tour de France.
During the 15th stage of the 21-stage race, a fan pushed his arm out from the sidelines causing American racer Sepp Kuss to wobble and fall after the fan distracted him.
As soon as Kuss hit the pavement, a chain reaction sent a dozen others to the ground and caused a pile-up of a dozen more behind that.
WATCH:
Tour de France spectator causes a huge crash in the peloton!#TDF2023 📺: Peacock pic.twitter.com/USu6eUO0o1
— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 16, 2023
In the wake of this epic pile-up, several racers, teams, and authorities have reminded fans not to stray from the spectator lines.
Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard both warned fans to be more mindful:
“Act nice on the side of the road. Don’t get on the road, don’t punch the riders. Be there and watch the race. You don’t have to get on the road or pour beer on us or whatever. Just have fun watching the race instead of doing some stupid things like that,” Vingegaard said.
Riders recover after a crash at the Tour de France on July 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)
“We really love spectators and fans. They come from all the countries and it’s incredible to see how many of them are on the roads through all the stages. Try to be a bit careful looking on the road where you stand and look at the riders, not the helicopters and the phones. Enjoy the moment when we pass through. I just wish everyone can stay safe because sometimes it’s really dangerous on the flat sections and downhills. It can be a disaster,” Pogačar added.
Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard have a message for fans after the recent Tour de France incidents.#TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/cuRvw4l5Av
— NBC Sports Cycling (@NBCSCycling) July 16, 2023
The INEOS Grenadiers team let fans know its racer, Egan Bernal, was unharmed but reminded fans to give the racers room.
A big crash in the bunch there, with @Eganbernal amongst the riders who were brought down.
Happily he's quickly back up and pacing his way back to the bunch.
If you are spectating at this amazing event, please give the riders room to race #TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/08pJrmmnCX
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) July 16, 2023
As YahooSports reported, Team Cofidis had a more forceful statement in French, roughly translating to: “Please be careful, so the party remains a party for the riders, but also for you. You don’t need a cellphone to create mind-blowing memories.”
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