Tour de France ‘opi-omi’ spectator arrested, according to report
The fan was wanted by police after causing a crash on stage one of the Tour de France


The ‘opi-omi’ spectator at the Tour de France has been arrested after causing a crash on stage one, according to a report.
On the opening day of the 2021 Tour, the fan caused a major pile-up when she stepped into the road, causing Tony Martin from Jumbo-Visma to crash into her at the front of the bunch.
Police then launched a public appeal to track down the spectator as officers opened an investigation into “causing involuntary injuries”.
According to a report from French news outlet RTL, the spectator was arrested and taken into police custody in Landernau, the finish town of stage one, on Wednesday, June 30.
The incident, which happened with around 45km remaining of stage one from Brest to Landerneau in Brittany, caused a huge stir both inside and outside of cycling.
TV images from the crash showed the spectator leaning into the road in the path of the peloton while trying to get in front of broadcast camera.
The spectator put herself in the path of the Jumbo-Visma train at the right-hand side of the road, with Tony Martin unable to avoid her.
As Martin went down, the crash caused a chain reaction in the peloton with dozens of riders hitting the tarmac.
Amongst the chaos, one rider was forced to abandon the 2021 Tour, as Jasha Sütterlin (Team DSM) became the first rider to abandon this year’s race.
>>> Chris Froome 'heading in the right direction' despite dark bruising on hip and chest
Tour de France organiser ASO has also said it plans to take legal action against the spectator.
A statement on the Facebook page of the Gendarmerie du Finistére, released on Sunday (June 27), said: “In the framework of an accident on 26/06/21 on the RD30 municipality of St Cadou, during the first stage of Tour de France 2021, a judicial investigation is opened for ‘involuntary injuries by deliberate breach of an obligation of safety or caution’.
“The spectator causing this accident left the scene before the investigators arrived."
According to a report in French newspaper L'Equipe, the fan could face one year in prison and a fine.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex is the digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter and now as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output.
Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) and joining CW in 2018, Alex has covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers.
Away from journalism, Alex is a national level time triallist, avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Injury and heat see Simon Yates drop out of Giro d'Italia contention
Yates says he'll assess his injury after Monday's rest day
By Richard Windsor • Published
-
Five talking points from stage nine of the Giro d'Italia 2022
Talking points from a gruelling day of racing to Blockhaus at the Giro d'Italia
By Richard Windsor • Published
-
Chris Froome: Being competitive at Tour de France would be a 'dream scenario'
The Israel-Premier Tech rider on being back at his normal level, appreciating his past, and aiming to have form late into the season
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tom Pidcock: 'Of course I want to try to win the Tour de France'
After signing new contract with Ineos Grenadiers, British rider says he can lead wave of young riders at team
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tour de France confirms Netflix series and eight teams that will be involved
The documentary series will be broadcast on Netflix in early 2023
By Richard Windsor • Published
-
Mathieu van der Poel aims to ride Giro d'Italia and Tour de France this year
Dutchman is continuing his comeback from injury at Coppi e Bartali this week
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Geraint Thomas 'will be very happy going to the Tour de France as a support rider', says Ineos Grenadiers' Rod Ellingworth
Ellingworth also backs the team to start winning big once Lady Luck falls their way
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Netflix in discussion to produce Tour de France docuseries
The streaming platform intends to follow eight WorldTour teams at the Grand Tour, if organiser ASO allows
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Total Energies and B&B Hotels-KTM given wildcard spots for Tour de France
Organisers ASO announce 22-team startlist for 2022 event
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Richie Porte won't ride Tour de France because he 'didn't enjoy pressure' of 2021 edition
The Australian will instead ride the Giro d'Italia as he seeks enjoyment in his final year of racing
By Ryan Dabbs • Published