Tour de France interrupted by farmers armed with bales of hay
The police used teargas to disperse the angry farmers — causing some medical problems for riders — during the 15-minute interruption
Bagnères-de-Luchon — The Tour de France 16th stage restarted on Tuesday after a brief halt when national gendarmes used teargas near the peloton to break up a protest by farmers. Bales of hay blocked the road 26km into the day’s ride from Carcassonne as farmers demonstrated against a cut in state aid. Among the riders affected by the teargas was Team Sky’s overall leader Geraint Thomas, who was pictured rubbing his nose following the incident. Video footage of the incident appeared to show liquid being blown back into the advancing peloton after being sprayed by an officer from France’s national gendarmerie against a protestor. TV images showed Tour de France medical officers handing out eye drops to riders including green-jersey points leader Peter Sagan.
The 218km stage with a finish in Bagnères-de-Luchon and featuring two first category climbs in the Pyrenees restarted at 10.36am GMT after an interruption lasting about a quarter of an hour. "After a 15-minute long interrupt...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.