French police have opened a criminal investigation into the incident
The woman who caused one of the biggest crashes in recent Tour de France history will be sued by organisers when she is eventually caught.
On Saturday, the first day of the world-famous race, the spectator leaned out into the path of the peloton with a sign reading “Allez Opi-Omi,” a hello to her grandparents.
However, she was looking away from the cyclists, and German rider Tony Martin hit the sign before falling off his bike, causing a huge pile-up.
As a result of the crash Team DSM rider Jasha Sütterlin has had to pull out of the Tour completely, with eight more riders receiving treatment from a doctor.
The Tour organisers aren’t taking the incident lightly either, with Tour de France Deputy Director Pierr-Yves Thoualt said that they would be taking legal action against the woman in question.
He said: “We are suing this woman who behaved so badly. We are doing this so that the tiny minority of people who do this do not spoil the show for everyone.”
A criminal investigation has been opened into the incident as well. Once police have tracked down the culprit – who unsurprisingly fled the scene after causing the dreadful crash – they aim to charge her with “deliberately violating safety regulations and causing injuries that might prevent someone working for up to three months.”
What the heck is wrong with this fan?! It’s only Stage 1 of the #tourdefrance! pic.twitter.com/oxeQAK7WVI
— Julio Deluxe (@Julio_Deluxe) June 26, 2021
As the Tour de France snakes its way along the open roads of the French countryside, spectators are able to get incredibly close to the action. Naturally this presents its own risks, with some fans often running ahead or alongside the riders to get their moment in the spotlight.
After the crash on the first day, the Tour tweeted a plea to fans to “respect the safety of the riders”.
⚠ We're glad to have the public on the side of the road on the #TDF2021.
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! pic.twitter.com/v8mat4UOtH
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) June 27, 2021
The BBC reports that authorities are appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward to help find the woman.
