The Tour de France faced a weekend of significant disruption, with chaotic scenes involving unruly fans leading to crashes and dangerous situations for riders. The latest incident saw Movistar cyclist Einer Rubio hospitalized and withdrawn from the race after colliding with a team car.
The crash occurred when the team car in front of Rubio was forced to brake suddenly to avoid a spectator who had fallen into the road. Rubio, unable to stop in time, slammed into the back of the vehicle. The driver of the car, identified as team manager Joxean Fernández Matxin, stated that the spectator unexpectedly appeared in front of their vehicle.
Matxin explained that his immediate reaction was to brake to avoid hitting the fan. In the process, he heard an impact from behind but attributed it to the noise and tension of the race. It was only after reaching the finish line that he learned of Rubio's withdrawal and the extent of his injuries. Matxin has since reached out to Movistar to express his concern.
Rubio received initial treatment at the scene before being transported to a hospital in Grenoble with multiple facial injuries. This incident marks the end of his Tour de France campaign just days before its conclusion.
This is not the first instance of fan-related disruption during the race. Race leader Tadej Pogacar had to navigate spectators in the road on Alpe d’Huez. Another rider narrowly avoided a similar crash after colliding with a fan who was running up the middle of the road with their back to the approaching cyclists.
The repeated issues have sparked calls for stricter measures to control spectator behavior. Suggestions have included the implementation of barriers, limiting crowd numbers, or even restricting alcohol consumption among fans. One commentator noted that the large number of motorbikes also presented a challenge for riders, referencing Remco Evenepoel's difficulties.
The incidents have raised concerns about rider safety and the overall conduct of fans along the race route.