A vehicle travelling in the Tour de France race convoy ploughed through roadside barriers near the finish of Stage 9 on Sunday, injuring eight spectators in the town of Ussel.
The incident occurred at around 17:00, approximately 350 metres before the finish line and about 20 minutes before the riders arrived. The official car, carrying journalists from L’Équipe, was reportedly driven by a man who fainted at the wheel before losing control, according to local authorities. Seven people suffered minor injuries, while a 59-year-old woman was seriously injured, although her condition was not described as life-threatening. The local prosecutor has opened an investigation into the incident.
It is the second convoy-related crash at a major UCI race this year. In February, two spectators were killed and six injured when a publicity caravan vehicle veered off the road during the opening stage of the Tour du Rwanda, prompting organisers to review caravan safety procedures and introduce mandatory alcohol testing for drivers. Sunday’s crash is likely to renew scrutiny of convoy safety at the sport’s biggest races.
Despite the incident on the finishing straight, racing continued unaffected. Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) won the 154km stage from Malemort to Ussel in a four-man sprint, clocking 03:27:51, ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen and Tom Pidcock. Race leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) crossed the line safely 6 seconds behind the winner, retaining the yellow jersey with a 2 minutes 42 seconds advantage over Jonas Vingegaard heading into Monday’s rest day.
Organisers ASO have not commented on whether convoy safety protocols will be reviewed before the race resumes on Tuesday.
Photo Credit: Le Parisien
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