A spectator whose attempt to get noticed by TV cameras caused one of the biggest pile-ups in Tour de France history has gone on trial, charged with injuring dozens of riders. The 31-year-old from Brittany, whose identity was withheld after she faced online abuse, told prosecutors she felt ashamed of her 'stupidity'.
During the first day of racing in June, she held up a cardboard sign reading 'Allez, Opi-Omi'—informal German for 'grandfather and grandmother'—hoping to be spotted on TV by her German-origin grandparents. However, she stepped too far into the path of the peloton near the finish line.
German rider Tony Martin collided with her and fell, triggering a crash that injured dozens of cyclists. Several riders, including Spain's Marc Soler who broke his arms, were forced to withdraw from the race. The woman fled the scene and remained in hiding for four days before turning herself in.
She faces charges of endangering lives and causing unintentional injuries, with a potential fine of up to €15,000 and a year in prison. The public prosecutor noted her 'personal vulnerabilities' and that she had been 'anguished' by the media fallout.
The International Association of Riders (CPA) is seeking a symbolic €1 in damages to warn against dangerous fan behaviour. President Gianni Bugno said, 'The damage suffered by the riders is physical, moral and economic.'
