Tour De France Video: Watch Moronic Fan Create Crash of Epic Proportions
In the 2010 Tour de France, Spain's Alberto Contador and Luxembourg's Andy Schleck finished first and second respectively in a spectacular battle in the historic race, with Contador winning by just 39 seconds.
In 2011, three-time champ Contador may not even be in contention because some idiot fan ventured too close to the course and caused a massive pile-up.
With nine kilometers (5.5 miles) left in the first stage of the 2011 Tour de France on Saturday, a spectator apparently thought it would be OK to basically stand on the course, because standing a foot back wouldn't be close enough to the action.
Well, we got action. As in, massive crash kind of action.
When Astana rider Maxim Iglinskiy bumped shoulders with the yellow-shirted moron on Saturday, it not only caused him to crash—it sent him flying to the middle of the course, which is never a good idea when dozens of cyclists are racing side-by-side.
Contador ended up finishing in 82nd place after the first stage as a result of the crash, a full 1:20 behind leader Philippe Gilbert.
Now, it's one thing if cyclists crash; that's part of the sport. But when a litany of cyclists, who train year round for the most prestigious race in cycling, see their fortunes take a bad turn because of one fan who simply couldn't stay off the course, that's dumbfounding.
And while I hope the fan is OK after getting slammed into, maybe this will be a wake-up call to all fans, not only those of cycling.
Taunting opposing teams or athletes, or trying to distract them off the playing field is one thing, but when fans become part of the race/game, that's where they collide with the sport, and cross the line.
Obviously, the fan in Saturday's first stage didn't try to cause an accident, but it was clear he was way too close to the action, and you don't have to get that close to see what's going on.
Step back and take it in, fans. Don't become the reason why a dedicated athlete sees all his hard work go for naught.
