Spectator Incident at Tour de France: Chips Thrown at Cyclists
A 32-year-old spectator was taken into custody for aggravated violence while drunk after throwing chips at cyclists Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard during the 14th stage of the Tour de France. The incident occurred two kilometers from the finish line at the Pla d'Adet pass in Saint-Lary-Soulan.
The Hautes-Pyrénées prosecutor's office confirmed the man's arrest and subsequent release on Sunday, following his sobering up. The individual had spent the day climbing Pla d'Adet and consuming a significant amount of alcohol. He was placed in a sobering cell after his arrest on Saturday.
Reactions from Teams and Organizers
Despite the incident, neither the cyclists' teams nor the Tour de France organizer, ASO, decided to file a complaint. The cyclists, including Vingegaard, who finished second at Saint-Lary Soulan, expressed disappointment over the incident but did not feel significantly disturbed by the chip-throwing. Adam Hansen, the president of the riders' union, announced that he had filed a complaint against X.
The prosecution explained that police custody was necessary due to the nature of the act, which involved throwing objects at someone, qualifying it as aggravated violence while drunk. Although chips are not heavy, the act was still considered serious enough to warrant legal action.
- The incident highlights the importance of maintaining proper conduct and respect for athletes during sporting events. Such actions not only endanger the participants but also tarnish the spirit of the competition.
- Spectators are urged to enjoy the event responsibly and support the athletes without engaging in disruptive behavior. The Tour de France, being one of the most prestigious cycling events globally, relies on the enthusiasm and positive energy of its fans.
