Bystander Wreaks Havoc as Seemingly Innocent Action Causes 20-Rider Crash at Tour de France

In its 15th stage, the Tour de France of 2023 witnessed yet another accident. Usually, when participating in the world’s largest cycling race, accidents are quite common. This time, however, the accident was not caused by any participating cyclists but rather by a spectator trying to capture a moment with Sepp Kuss.

This year’s Tour de France is the 110th event of this annual men’s cycling competition. The event, filled with talented cyclists, started in Spain on the first of July and will end in Paris on the 23rd of July. However, the event has been hurdled many times this year due to spectators.

The Tour de France faces another spectator accident

On July 16, at the ongoing Tour de France annual men’s competition, a huge accident was caused by a fan who was trying to take a picture with the competitors. On their 15th stage of the event, the cyclists were passing through small towns. And while crossing the outskirts of Les Gets les Portes du Soleil, 128 km away from their destination, piles of bikes accumulated on the road as the cyclists crashed into each other.

According to footage of the accident, from the huge crowd witnessing the event, a fan abruptly leaned into the path, trying to take a selfie. The spectator also tried to make contact with the American cyclist Sepp Kuss, causing this disaster. The American athlete, due to close proximity with fan, lost his balance and fell down. The incident, due to its domino effect, caused other cyclists, including Nathan Van and Egan Bernal, to witness the same fate.

Kuss rejoined the peloton as soon as possible but suffered some minor injuries, including elbow cuts and knee injuries, in the crash. While talking about the crash, the cyclist revealed in an interview with the Cyclists ” It just happened suddenly, I didn’t see it coming” Further, the athlete added that there are a lot of people at these events, so nobody knows what is happening around them. Two-time Olympic cycling legend Sam Bewley also gave his opinion on the accident. In a podcast, the athlete revealed that there isn’t much one can do to prevent these accidents.

Sam Bewley gives his opinion on the crash

Recently, in a podcast, Sam Bewley revealed that while participating in the biggest cycling race in the world, this is what cyclists sign up for. Such accidents take place every year at these events, and he’s happy to take such responsibility on his shoulders. As he stated, “It’s what people expect. It’s the waiver that they sign. ‘I’m happy to take that risk on my shoulders.” On July 16, after the accident, the global cycling network also requested that people be more respectful towards the racers.

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Altogether, keeping people away from this event is next to impossible. The Tour de France is a ticket-free event filled with thousands of spectators. Fortunately, no cyclist was severely injured due to the incident. But the spectators can maintain a healthy distance from the peloton.

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