Police looking for fan that caused spectacular crash at Tour de France

Various French authorities are looking for a woman that caused a since-viral crash at the Tour de France.

The pileup involved about 60 riders and affected the main field of cyclists in the midst of the race, known commonly to cycling fans as the peloton, during Saturday’s 197.8 km stage Brest to Landerneau.

As in the video, the spectator pulls out in front of the riders with a sign reading “Allez Opi-Omi,” shouting out her grandparents. Fans jumping in front of the peloton for a quick photo op is nothing new, but it’s always a bad idea.

Before the fan can pull away, German rider Tony Martin strikes the fan, and well, chaos ensues.

The fan escaped the area without being detected.

In a statement posted in French by the Gendarmerie du Finistère (the local military police force where the crash occurred) Facebook page, they noted that a judicial investigation was opened against the suspect for causing “involuntary injuries” to the riders.

How did the Tour de France crash even happen?

The Tour de France is the most famous race in the cycling sport. The three-week journey across the French landscape tests world-class athletes in a gruelling endurance competition.

It’s uniquely for being one of the most well-known sporting events in the world that you can usually go to for free. Fans can show up to the side of the road on a given day and have the chance to be right in the face of world-class riders racing through small towns, mountains, and big cities. There really is no other sporting event quite like it.

Unfortunately for the athletes, it’s often onlookers getting too close that brings worldwide attention to it.

Tour de France organizers are also looking to sue the woman, per French news source AFP.

⚠ 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/eA6nnhRhWv

— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) June 26, 2021

2021 Tour info

This year’s Tour de France began on June 26, with the crash occurring midway through the opening stage. This year’s Tour is comprised of 21 stages concluding on July 17 with the traditional ride through Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Élysées serving as the final destination for the riders.

The Tour de France was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally beginning in June or July, it eventually began on August 29, running through late September. Fans were encouraged to stay home for last year’s event but returned this year.

Belgium’s Tim Merlier won Monday’s Stage 3.