Main image via Sports Illustrated + EuroSport
By now, you would have definitely seen and heard about the irresponsible spectator at the Tour de France who caused the “worst-ever” crash.
After fleeing the event and reportedly fleeing the country, the unnamed woman has been arrested.
via GIPHY
For those who aren’t aware of what happened, on 26th June, the annual multiple-stage cycling race kicked off but it quickly descended into chaos.
An unknown woman who is believed to be from Germany - and wearing a bright yellow coat, decided to try to get the attention of the cameras by holding out a handmade sign, right in the path of the oncoming cyclists, at handlebar height.
The woman’s sign hit German cyclist Tony Martin, who was unable to avoid it and toppled from his bike, knocking over a fellow racer with his fall.
As seen in the video, the fall then creates a pile up of over 50 riders who ended up in a tangled heap on the road.
21 people were injured in the “worst-ever” crash the Tour de France has seen, with competitor Jasha Sütterlin, forced to exit the tour altogether.
The unnamed woman with the sign was said to have immediately fled the scene. She had also reportedly fled the country, at one point.
Following a police hunt to find the woman, Reuters reported that the culprit has been taken into custody in Brittany, France.
The day after the horrible crash, French authorities announced that it had launched an investigation for “involuntary injuries with incapacity not exceeding three months by manifestly deliberate violation of an obligation of safety or prudence,” RTL noted.
The arrested woman could be facing a €1,500 (RM7,400) fine which could be increased should any of the race’s riders decide to file a complaint against her.
The event’s organiser has also threatened to sue the woman with race deputy director, Pierre-Yves Thouault saying:
“We are suing this woman who behaved so badly… so that the tiny minority of people who do this don’t spoil the show for everyone.”
Image via EuroSport
Though the woman may have had good intentions by holding up the sign for her grandparents, it was definitely irresponsible to not follow the rules of the race.
In this case, people actually got hurt. Many people.
We hope all the riders who were affected by the irresponsible action, are receiving all the treatment they need.
Info via UNILAD