Fan throws chips at Pogacar and Vingegaard during the final climb
Once again, incidents involving spectators occur frequently in bike races - even during the 14th stage of the Tour de France. In the final climb, a fan threw food at the leading riders, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard.
A fan throwing chips caused trouble for the top riders during the 14th stage of the Tour de France. The spectator had positioned himself at the roadside near the finish line at the Pla d'Adet ski station, first hitting the leader Tadej Pogacar, and then his pursuer Jonas Vingegaard with chips. A video of the incident is circulating on the platform X.
"There was a lot of commotion and someone threw chips at me. I heard that happened to Tadej too," said Vingegaard and had a message for all fans: "Just stay at the roadside and cheer instead. There's no reason for shouting. I don't understand why someone goes to a bike race and behaves like that and throws chips."
In the past, the police have launched investigations into similar incidents. In the spring, a woman was investigated for throwing a headscarf in front of the leading rider Mathieu van der Poel's wheel during the Paris-Roubaix classic. She subsequently surrendered to the police.
During the 2021 Tour, a woman caused a pile-up by putting a sign on the road to greet her grandparents. German time trial specialist Tony Martin touched the paper sign, fell, and pulled several riders down with him. The woman was fined 1,200 euros.
In the case of the chip thrower, investigations may not be initiated. The riders were not significantly impeded by the action, and there was also no danger. The Tour organizers have taken various measures in the past to prevent such unpleasant actions and create more distance between professionals and fans. For example, the last kilometer is closed off at mountain finishes, and spectators are kept back from other climbs with a tight rope and heavy police presence.
Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard expressed their disapproval towards fans throwing objects during the Tour de France, with Pogacar being hit by chips and Vingegaard also being affected during the 14th stage. Cycling incidents involving spectators remain a concern in major races like the Tour de France.
