The Tour de France had a disastrous start
Day 1 of the 2021 race, spectators lined the streets after they were not allowed at the race in 2020 due to the COVID-19.
28 miles into the stage, a fan held a cardboard sign in front of the riders that read “Allez Opi-Omi!” which is a hello message to her grandparents. Sadly, she did not pull the sign away in time and German cyclist Tony Martin could not avoid a collision. His crash led to a domino effect involving a large number of riders. It is being called the worst wreck in Tour history
A huge crash at #TDF2021 this morning was caused when a spectator held out a sign and struck a rider.
Jasha Sütterlin was forced to withdraw from the race due to an injury sustained in the crash, according to @LeTour. pic.twitter.com/XCcEjHRAGp
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 26, 2021
The crash-causing spectator is on the run. As of Sunday morning, law enforcement officials in France announced a legal investigation, and authorities are asking for witnesses to come forward to help identify the woman. The crime in France is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $18,000 fine. In addition, Tour de France organizers plan to open a lawsuit against the fan.
Susan Saunders 6/28/21
