Police Have Arrested Fan Who Caused Worst Crash In Tour De France History

Police in France have arrested the woman they believe cause the worst crash in Tour de France history.

French radio station RTL was the first to report the spectator had been taken into custody in Landerneau, an area in Brittany, which is not too far from where the crash happened over the weekend.

She is accused of involuntarily causing injury and could face a €1,500 fine if found guilty.

The crash - one of several that occurred on Saturday's (June26) first stage - happened with about 45 kilometres left for the riders. The woman stepped onto the road holding a sign that said 'Allez Opi-Omi' - a German phrase for grandparents. However, when she did this, she had her back to the onrushing peloton.

Rider Tony Martin collided with the sign and sparked a massive wave of crashes that left riders stacked on top of each other.

After the crash, organisers of the race said that they would be taking action against the person responsible once they were found, and French police quickly started an investigation to find the culprit.

In protest for their safety, following further crashes on the following stages, the riders decided to stop for a minute just one kilometre into the fourth stage on Monday, before riding the next 10 kilometres at a very slow pace.

Today, the rider's union (CPA) called for cycling's governing body, the International Cycling Union (UCI), to show them a bit more respect.

They said: "Following the crashes during the third stage of the Tour de France, the riders have been discussing how they wish to proceed to show their dissatisfaction with safety measures in place and demand their concerns are taken seriously. Their frustration about foreseeable and preventable action is enormous."

Speaking of their decision to pursue legal action against the person responsible for Saturday's crash, Tour de France deputy director Pierre-Yves Thouault said: "We are doing this so that the tiny minority of people who do this don't spoil the show for everyone."

As well as the police fine, the consequences for the crash could be worse should individual riders decide to take legal action. At least one cyclist - Team DSM's Jasha Suetterlin - has indicated that he will pursue legal action.