Featured Image Credit: ITV
Topics: Fan Reactions, Tour De France, Cycling
Joe Adams
A fan has carelessly caused a huge pile-up at the Tour de France after attempting to get a selfie with one of the cyclists.
For the second day in a row, there was a significant crash at the prestigious race, after a fan lent out his arm to try and get a photo with the riders.
However, Belgium's Nathan van Hooydonck, who was on the edge of the road, was hit by the fan's extended arm.
Advert
The contact forced him to lose balance and fall to the floor and due to his position at the front of the pack, a huge pile-up of an estimated 20 riders ensued at the the 15th stage of the tour, which included former champion Egan Bernal.
You can watch the footage below.
Explaining the incident, ITV's co-commentators Carlton Kirby and Sean Kelly provided further detail.
“An arm came out and clipped a shoulder, and down we all came like skittles,” said Kirby.
Advert
“Somebody just had their hand out when the riders were really close to the spectators and they just touched," Kelly then took over.
"At that speed, if they just touch your handlebar then down you go, and we can see the consequences at that speed, taking out a pack of riders.”
Watching fans rushed to social media to condemn the fan's careless attitude to the event.
One furious fan exclaimed: "I swore out loud."
Advert
A second added: "It’s about time they started getting prosecuted."
"When will spectators ever learn?!," asked a third.
Another wrote: "Idiot. Why on earth did they think that it was ok to dangle their arm in the peloton WHILE IT WAS GOING PAST?!"
A fifth tweeted: "Another idiot so-called cycling fan causes a crash taking a photo."
Advert
The British cycling team have since released a statement on Twitter to warn fans to stay clear of the racers.
"A big crash in the bunch there, with @Eganbernal amongst the riders who were brought down," it read.
"Happily he's quickly back up and pacing his way back to the bunch.
"If you are spectating at this amazing event, please give the riders room to race."