Ineos Grenadiers have apologised after the team’s support car knocked down a spectator during stage 14 of the Tour de France. The incident occurred on the Col de Peyresourde, one of four major climbs in the Pyrenees on Saturday, as the car was pursuing Dutch rider Thymen Arensman, who went on to win the stage.
The car appeared to be passing a motorbike and took a wide line on the road before hitting a fan who had been filming the riders, knocking them to the ground. The race jury later fined Ineos Grenadiers sports director Oliver Cookson 5,000 Swiss francs (£4,300) for “improper behaviour endangering spectators” and issued a yellow card. Accumulating yellow cards over a defined period can result in a suspension.
In a statement, Ineos Grenadiers said: “Our thoughts and sincere apologies go out to the fan who was accidentally and regretfully hit by one of our race cars while supporting the riders during today’s stage. Like all teams we take great care to maintain a safe race environment for everyone - including the passionate fans who make our sport so special.”
