Woman who caused Tour de France crash could face prison term and huge fine
The spectator who caused the massive crash on the first day of the 2021 Tour de France could reportedly face a fine of around $18,000 and a year in prison if charges are pressed against her.
Jasha Sutterlin of Team DSM, had to pull out of the race because of his injuries and was taken to hospital to treat his wrist, and he could press charges.
The crash was caused because the fan, whose identity is still unknown, turned her back to riders to display a sign that read “Allez Opi-Omi (Go Grandpa-Grandma)”.
German rider Tony Martin of the Jumbo-Visma crashed into the spectator and his fall caused a chain reaction, with dozens falling behind him, leaving many with minor injuries.
French outlet L’Equipe report that the public prosecutor for the Finistere region has opened an investigation into the incident.
The woman is being investigated for a deliberate violation of safety regulations and for causing "unintentional injuries with incapacity not exceeding three months."
A member of the Tour de France staff also said that the woman, who fled the scene after the incident, will be sued once she is identified.
If the spectator is found and is guilty, she will face a fine of $1,790.
Additionally, if Sütterlin decides to press charges, there could be a fine as high as $17,900 or a year in prison, if the strictest punishment is handed out.
Do you think this was the most dangerous Tour de France crash ever? Let us know in the comments below.
The local police have asked for eyewitnesses to come forward to help them with their search.
Pierre-Yves Thouault, the deputy race director of the Tour de France, later confirmed that the race organisers will be suing the woman in question.
"This is unacceptable behaviour," he said.
"There are safety rules to follow. Spectators don't cross the road, they don't take selfies.
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"Frankly, her attitude was insane. The show is the riders, not spectators who want to be on TV. The Tour must remain a party but because of the attitude of a very small minority, it is ruined. We can no longer accept this.
"We are suing this woman who behaved so badly. We are doing this so that the tiny minority of people who do this don't spoil the show for everyone."
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