PARIS — French authorities are trying to find a viewer who sent out lots of elite bicyclists crashing in a huge pileup on the very first day of the Tour de France throughout the weekend.
On Saturday, German bicyclist Tony Martin was sent out toppling at high speed when he rode directly into a cardboard indication being held out by an unknown female. Martin fell off his bike, resulting in a pack of riders around him to crash also — leaving a twisted mess of bikes and bicyclists.
Television video footage of the race revealed the female, using a yellow coat, smiling and leaning into the roadway while holding up an indication that read “Allez Opi-Omi” (“Come on granddad-granny,” in a mix of French and German). As the pack of riders approached her, TELEVISION video footage reveals her dealing with tv video cameras, not dealing with the bicyclists.
A representative with France’s National Gendarmerie, among the nation’s 2 nationwide police, informed NBC News on Monday stated they are still trying to find the female, calling her actions “imprudent.”
Investigators are combing through cam video footage and requesting witnesses to come forward with any info about the event. Police stated the female left the scene prior to private investigators got here.
The Tour de France generally sees countless fans cheer on the riders from the sidelines as they advance through the race’s intense phases for 3 weeks.
With most Covid-19 constraints raised in France, passionate fans required to the streets of stunning towns along the path on the opening day of the race, and thousands lined the roadways of the Brittany countryside.
In a news release Saturday, the National Gendarmerie stated an examination had actually been opened into unintended injuries brought on by the “manifestly purposeful infraction of a responsibility of security or vigilance.”
Race director Christian Prudhomme informed Eurosport in an interview Sunday that the female’s habits was “undesirable and excruciating.”
“When we pertain to the trip path, it is to appreciate the champs, otherwise we have absolutely nothing to do with it,” he stated. “You need to beware and not let yourself be brought away by interest. And above all, those who are worthy of tv are the runners. The viewers do not pertain to see each other, they have their mirror for that.”
NBC News has actually connected to ASO, the business that arranges the race, for remark. There was no additional remark from the Tour de France on Monday.
The trip authorities cautioned Sunday that fans need to appreciate the security of the riders.
“Don’t risk everything for a photo or to get on television!” they said in a tweet, accompanied by a video collection of previous occurrences including viewers sidetracking riders or not enjoying their kids or animals.
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In a highly worded post on his Instagram page Sunday, Tony Martin, the rider who initially hit the viewer’s indication, likewise prompted fans to be more considerate.
“To all the people next to the road who think that the #tourdefrance is a circus, to people who risc everything for a selfie with a 50 km/h fast peloton, to people who think it’s nice to show their naked butt, to drunken people who push us sideways on the climbs, to people who think that it is a good idea to hold a sign into the road while the peloton is passing,” he stated.
“I wish to ask this individuals powerfully: please regard the riders and the #tourdefrance!” he included. “Use your head or stay home! We don’t want you here.”
The Tour de France continues through to July 18.
Nancy Ing reported from Paris, Yuliya Talmazan from London.
