Ineos driver hits spectator while chasing Thymen Arensman up the Col de Peyresourde
During stage 14 of the Tour de France, a surprising event occurred when a car from the Ineos Grenadiers team hit a spectator on the dangerous Col de Peyresourde climb. The car, operated by sports director Oliver Cookson, was trailing Dutch cyclist Thymen Arensman, who ultimately clinched the stage with an impressive solo performance.
This incident, which knocked the spectator down and sent their phone flying, has ignited discussions about safety on the narrow mountain roads of this renowned cycling race.
Why was a Tour de France spectator standing in the middle of the road?
The incident occurred roughly 200 meters from the peak of the Col de Peyresourde, a steep and well-known climb in the Pyrenees celebrated for its difficult gradients and breathtaking scenery.
Stage 14 was a 182.6-kilometer mountain route from Pau to Superbagneres, featuring almost 5,000 meters of climbing, which really tested the riders' stamina and the accuracy of their support teams.
While Thymen Arensman pushed forward, taking the lead in the stage, the Ineos Grenadiers team car was right behind, with teammate Carlos Rodríguez leading the chase group a bit further back.
A fan, swept up in the thrill, stood right in the center of the narrow road, recording the cyclists as they came closer. The team car, cruising at a slow pace like support vehicles do on mountain stages, tried to squeeze through the tight gap between the riders and the crowd on the side.
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Out of nowhere, the car hit the fan. Videos that went viral on social media showed the moment: the spectator was thrown onto the car's hood before falling to the ground, their phone sliding away across the pavement.
The spectator's exact condition is still unknown since there haven't been any official updates. But the car's slow speed—needed to keep up with the riders probably lessened the impact's severity. When asked by Reuters, Tour de France organizers said, "We were not aware of the accident", indicating that the incident might have slipped under the radar during the race's hectic moments.
Tour de France officials issue yellow card to Ineos sports director over spectator incident
Ineos sports director Oliver Cookson, who was driving, faced immediate repercussions. He was fined 5,000 Swiss francs (about £4,650) by race officials and received a yellow card for "dangerous behavior that endangered spectators." In the Tour de France, a second yellow card leads to expulsion, making this a hefty penalty. Additionally, local French police have opened an investigation into the incident, which adds a legal aspect to the fallout.
We still don't have any details about the spectator's identity, age, or injuries, leaving their fate unknown as the investigation progresses.
Ineos Grenadiers responded with a public statement, 'Our thoughts and sincere apologies go out to the fan who was accidentally and regretfully hit by one of our race cars while supporting the riders during today's stage'.
Ineos Grenadiers celebrate a long-awaited Tour de France win
Despite the drama, the race kept going, leading to an exciting finish.
Thymen Arensman, the rider being followed by the team car, took the win on stage 14 with an impressive solo effort, finishing 1 minute and 12 seconds ahead of the rest. This victory was Ineos Grenadiers' first stage win at the Tour de France in two years, a significant achievement for the British team. Meanwhile, race leader Tadej Pogacar managed to secure second place, outpacing his competitor Jonas Vingegaard to hold onto the yellow jersey and keep his lead in the overall standings.
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Although the spectator's slow-speed collision might have prevented major injuries, uncertainty about their health still raises worries. The current police inquiry could provide more details about what happened, which might affect safety measures going forward.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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