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 10 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 Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former 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, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex 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 the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
POC Ventral Tempus MIPS Review - A helmet for riding in the rain, and being seen
Bright, light and comfortable, but not cheap
By Tyler Boucher • Published
-
British cyclist treated a sick goat before medalling at national championships
Veterinary student Phoebe Barker was asked to lend a hand on the farm where she was staying before her race
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Jonas Vingegaard
From working in a fish auction in Denmark through to breaking climbing records in Spain
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tour de France 2023 route: Every stage of the 110th edition in detail
It looks like next year's race will be one for the climbers, with the Puy de Dôme returning, in 56,400 metres of climbing
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
'What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger' - Michael Valgren on getting through injury and returning to racing
Danish rider lifts the lid on his long layoff, missing the Tour de France Grand Départ in Copenhagen and being inspired by Lizzie Deignan and Remco Evenepoel
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar returns to open road training just one month before Tour de France
UAE Team Emirates rider has linked up with teammates at training camp in the Sierra Nevada
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Netflix Tour de France TV show Unchained set to get second season
Cameras to follow racing action this July for second year in a row; first series released on 8 June
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'I’ve lived an absolute dream' - Mark Cavendish confirms he will retire at the end of the season
'It’s the perfect time to say 2023 will be my final season' - British sprinter explains retirement decision on second Giro d’Italia rest day
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Mark Cavendish ‘hungry’ to land first win of the season at Giro d’Italia
British rider is one of several options for Astana at Italian Grand Tour as they go in search of stage wins
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift 2023: Everything you need to know
Information about the route, start list and how to watch the women's Tour de France
By Tom Davidson • Published