Ineos driver hits spectator while chasing Thymen Arensman up the Col de Peyresourde
During stage 14 of the Tour de France, a surprising event occurred when a car from the Ineos Grenadiers team hit a spectator on the dangerous Col de Peyresourde climb. The car, operated by sports director Oliver Cookson, was trailing Dutch cyclist Thymen Arensman, who ultimately clinched the stage with an impressive solo performance.
This incident, which knocked the spectator down and sent their phone flying, has ignited discussions about safety on the narrow mountain roads of this renowned cycling race.
Why was a Tour de France spectator standing in the middle of the road?
The incident occurred roughly 200 meters from the peak of the Col de Peyresourde, a steep and well-known climb in the Pyrenees celebrated for its difficult gradients and breathtaking scenery.
Stage 14 was a 182.6-kilometer mountain route from Pau to Superbagneres, featuring almost 5,000 meters of climbing, which really tested the riders' stamina and the accuracy of their support teams.
While Thymen Arensman pushed forward, taking the lead in the stage, the Ineos Grenadiers team car was right behind, with teammate Carlos Rodríguez leading the chase group a bit further back.
A fan, swept up in the thrill, stood right in the center of the narrow road, recording the cyclists as they came closer. The team car, cruising at a slow pace like support vehicles do on mountain stages, tried to squeeze through the tight gap between the riders and the crowd on the side.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Out of nowhere, the car hit the fan. Videos that went viral on social media showed the moment: the spectator was thrown onto the car's hood before falling to the ground, their phone sliding away across the pavement.
The spectator's exact condition is still unknown since there haven't been any official updates. But the car's slow speed—needed to keep up with the riders probably lessened the impact's severity. When asked by Reuters, Tour de France organizers said, "We were not aware of the accident", indicating that the incident might have slipped under the radar during the race's hectic moments.
Tour de France officials issue yellow card to Ineos sports director over spectator incident
Ineos sports director Oliver Cookson, who was driving, faced immediate repercussions. He was fined 5,000 Swiss francs (about £4,650) by race officials and received a yellow card for "dangerous behavior that endangered spectators." In the Tour de France, a second yellow card leads to expulsion, making this a hefty penalty. Additionally, local French police have opened an investigation into the incident, which adds a legal aspect to the fallout.
We still don't have any details about the spectator's identity, age, or injuries, leaving their fate unknown as the investigation progresses.
Ineos Grenadiers responded with a public statement, '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'.
Ineos Grenadiers celebrate a long-awaited Tour de France win
Despite the drama, the race kept going, leading to an exciting finish.
Thymen Arensman, the rider being followed by the team car, took the win on stage 14 with an impressive solo effort, finishing 1 minute and 12 seconds ahead of the rest. This victory was Ineos Grenadiers' first stage win at the Tour de France in two years, a significant achievement for the British team. Meanwhile, race leader Tadej Pogacar managed to secure second place, outpacing his competitor Jonas Vingegaard to hold onto the yellow jersey and keep his lead in the overall standings.
Also Read:
Who Is Sadom Kaewkanjana? Thai Buddhist Monk Turned British Open Contender
Although the spectator's slow-speed collision might have prevented major injuries, uncertainty about their health still raises worries. The current police inquiry could provide more details about what happened, which might affect safety measures going forward.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Rahaman Ali, the brother you can't leave out of the Muhammad Ali story, dies at 82
Rahaman Ali , younger brother of boxing icon Muhammad Ali and a former professional heavyweight boxer , has died at the age of 82, the Muhammad Ali Center confirmed Saturday(August 2). He passed away on Friday, August 1. The cause of death has not been released. Born Rudolph Arnett Clay in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1943, Rahaman was just 18 months younger than Muhammad, then known as Cassius Clay Jr. The brothers grew up in a modest pink house in Louisville's West End, where they wrestled and played basketball. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing Others Technology others Cybersecurity Data Science Healthcare Leadership PGDM Artificial Intelligence Degree MBA healthcare Data Science Management Finance Public Policy Product Management CXO Operations Management MCA Project Management Data Analytics Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategies Customer Journey Mapping Paid Advertising Campaign Management Emerging Technologies in Digital Marketing Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Digital Marketing and Analytics Starts on May 14, 2024 Get Details Rahaman followed his brother into the boxing ring, competing professionally from 1964 to 1972. Over the course of his career, he amassed a respectable record of 14 wins (7 by knockout), 3 losses, and 1 draw. Though never as famous as his older brother, Rahaman carved out his own place in the sport and remained a dedicated figure in Muhammad's corner throughout his career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Click Here 'Rahaman was his brother's biggest supporter,' the Muhammad Ali Center said in a statement. 'You can't tell Muhammad's story without mentioning Rahaman.' After retiring from boxing, Rahaman remained by Muhammad's side, traveling with him and participating in training camps. He was often seen ringside, not just as a sibling, but as part of the inner circle that supported the world champion through the highs and lows of his career. Live Events Rahaman also sought to preserve his brother's legacy. In 2014, he published a memoir titled That's Muhammad Ali's Brother! My Life on the Undercard, co-authored with boxing journalist H. Ron Brashear. Five years later, he released My Brother, Muhammad Ali - The Definitive Biography, offering a deeply personal look into the family life of the world's most celebrated boxer. 'He was a sweet, gentle soul with a heart as big as the world,' Muhammad's daughter, Hana Ali, wrote in a tribute on social media . 'He had that same sparkle in his eye that my father had.' Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, according to the Muhammad Ali Center.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG Test: Sachin Tendulkar lauds Yashasvi Jaiswal's courage, and Akash Deep's heart - 'On a sporting pitch...'
London: India's batter Akash Deep celebrates his half century with teammate Yashasvi Jaiswal during the third day of the fifth Test match between India and England, at The Oval cricket ground, in London, England. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar)(PTI08_02_2025_000274A) Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and the cricket community praised 23-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal for scoring his fourth overseas century during India's fifth Test against England at Kennington Oval. Jaiswal reached his century in 127 deliveries during a crucial moment on the third day of the match, celebrating with his parents and the crowd after scoring a single off Gus Atkinson. Jaiswal's century came at a critical time for India, showcasing his batting prowess on a challenging pitch. He celebrated his achievement by punching the air and blowing kisses to the stands as spectators and his parents applauded his performance. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "Outstanding 100 by Yashasvi on a sporting pitch that tested courage and concentration. Full marks to Akashdeep too, batting with heart and determination under pressure. Keep fighting, India," Sachin Tendulkar wrote on social media platform X. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted Jaiswal's consistent performance, stating, "160 & couple of quality 80s in Australia in BGT, only batter who carried his form in that series. Now 2 hundreds in England! One in the first Test and this in the last. Again carrying form till the end. Take a bow Yashasvi Jaiswal!" Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed his admiration for Jaiswal on X: "Yashasvi Jaiswal, the most talented left-hander going around in test cricket at the moment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo High pressure." Yashasvi Jaiswal press conference: Message from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli help, support from Gambhir Former England cricketer Michael Atherton praised Jaiswal's performance while commenting for Sky Sports: "Jaiswal is an outstanding young player. He started this series with a hundred and is finishing it with another - and it may be a hundred that takes India into a winning position. Jaiswal was dropped twice and is not a player you want to give chances to. He is one of the best young players in the world and scored a century that almost elicited a smile from India's coach. Smile, Gambhir, come on!" Jaiswal's innings ended at 118 runs from 164 balls when he attempted an upper cut shot, a technique he had successfully used throughout his second innings. The shot was well-timed but found Jamie Overton at third man, bringing his impressive performance to a close. India's head coach Gautam Gambhir was seen standing and applauding Jaiswal's performance, acknowledging the young player's achievement. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG Test: R Ashwin says India may have unearthed a new batting gem at The Oval – ‘He's got that raw talent'
India's Akash Deep celebrates after scoring fifty runs during the third day of the fifth cricket test match between England and India at The Kia Oval in London, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Ravichandran Ashwin believes India may have discovered a promising new batting talent during the ongoing Test at The Oval. Speaking on his Hindi YouTube channel after Day 3, Ashwin praised Akash Deep's fearless approach and natural flair, describing it as "raw but exciting." Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Akash Deep smashed his way to a maiden half-century, frustrating a lacklustre England and putting India in a strong position at lunch on Day 3 of the final Test at The Oval on Saturday. Resuming the day at 75 for two, India did exceedingly well to reach 189 for three at the break, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (85 not out off 106 balls) and Akash Deep (66 off 94 balls) sharing a 107-run stand off 150 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal press conference: Message from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli help, support from Gambhir The Indian pacer, who was on four overnight, was eventually dismissed by Jamie Overton towards the end of the session with a well-directed short ball aimed at his rib cage, leaving him in a tangle. Gus Atkinson took an easy catch at point. Akash Deep, who had just one first-class fifty to his name prior to this game, made his intentions clear in the first over of the day, bowled by left-arm spinner Jacob Bethell. The Indian cleared his front leg and dispatched Bethell over mid-wicket for a boundary. Poll What aspect of Akash Deep's batting impressed you the most? Fearless approach Natural flair Solid technique He didn't hold back against the fast bowlers either, especially Atkinson. He brought up his fifty with another slog off Atkinson. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologist: Tight Skin After 50 Comes Down To Doing This 1 Thing Miami MD Undo He was understandably fired up after his stellar effort, which was duly applauded by the Indian dressing room. "He's got this raw batting talent. In Australia, he helped India avoid the follow-on in Brisbane. He batted beautifully. He has a solid defence and can hit the ball cleanly — we've seen that in the IPL," Ashwin said. "He's an off-side player. He doesn't have many shots on the leg side, but he has good technique to negotiate the short ball. It took England some time to realise that Akash doesn't like deliveries angled into him." For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
