top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Tour de France spectator who caused 50-rider pile-up turns herself in

30-year-old woman in custody - she is accused of involuntarily causing injury and putting the life of others at risk

The spectator who caused a massive pile-up on the first stage of the 2021 Tour de France has been arrested.

A 30-year-old woman is in custody after presenting herself at a police station in Landerneau, Finistère, a source close to the investigation has told AFP.

Read more: Tour de France: Police search for woman who caused 50-rider pile-up

She has been accused of involuntarily causing injury and putting the life of others at risk.

Christian Prudhomme told French media. "You come here to see heroes. If you want to see yourself look in the mirror."

German cyclist Tony Martin was sent tumbling when he rode straight into a cardboard sign being held out by a fan looking at a passing television camera.

The collision led to several other riders falling off their bikes around 45km from the end of the Brest-Landerneau stage. Nine riders were injured in the pile-up, though only one had to retire as a result.

It was one of two crashes on the Tour's opening day, which caused 21 injuries between them. Another huge pile-up occurred on narrow roads towards the end of Monday’s stage.

On Tuesday, riders expressed their frustration at the number of falls in this year’s race, by stopping and getting off their bikes for one minute 500m after the start of the fourth stage before riding the next 10km of the stage at a much slower pace.

 

Related article

Tour de France 2021: Full route details

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France