Inflatable 1km Marker Falls on Cyclist, Obstructs Tour de France Course

Obstacles abound at the Tour de France.

From the grueling distance to the phenomenal competition, the world's cycling elite are routinely challenged by the hurdles of the unforgiving event.

Another was added to the list during Friday's Stage 7: The dramatic deflation of a one-kilometer banner.

The marker came down, flopping onto Adam Yates of Orica-BikeExchange and obstructing the path of the remaining riders—all of whom were given the same time relative to the previous checkpoint at three kilometers, according to the NBC Sports broadcast.

As for what the competitors have to thank for the unusual mishap?

Perhaps fans should be required to dress in streamlined attire, too. 

[NBC Sports, h/t SB Nation]