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
-
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
-
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
-
Tour de France confirms Netflix series and eight teams that will be involved
The documentary series will be broadcast on Netflix in early 2023
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Total Energies and B&B Hotels-KTM given wildcard spots for Tour de France
Organisers ASO announce 22-team startlist for 2022 event
-
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
