Logo

The clueless fan who caused a bloody crash during the Tour de France has been arrested after surrendering at a police station, according to reports Wednesday.

The 30-year-old French woman, who has not been identified, was in custody at a police station in Brittany, near where the world’s biggest cycling competition held its first four stages, a source close to the investigation told Reuters.

She is accused of involuntarily causing injury and putting the lives of others at risk — which is punishable with a fine of around $1,700, French news network RTL reported. She also faces up to a year in jail, the Daily Mail reported.

The spectator — seen in pictures holding up a placard that read “Go! Gran, Grandad” in French and German — sent cyclist Tony Martin flying when he clipped her sign Saturday during the race’s first stage, causing others to crash around him.

French authorities previously said the woman fled before investigators could reach her.


  The spectator — who was seen in pictures holding up a cardboard that read “Go! Gran, Grandad” in French and German — sent cyclist Tony Martin flying when he clipped her sign on Saturday. NBCsports The spectator — who was seen in pictures holding up a cardboard that read “Go! Gran, Grandad” in French and German — sent cyclist Tony Martin flying when he clipped her sign on Saturday. NBCsports

  Italy’s Kristian Sbaragli (left) and France’s Bryan Coquard (right) lie on the ground after crashing during the first stage of the Tour de France. AP Italy’s Kristian Sbaragli (left) and France’s Bryan Coquard (right) lie on the ground after crashing during the first stage of the Tour de France. AP

“The spectator who caused this accident left the scene before the arrival of the investigators,” a spokesperson for the Finistere police force said, according to the Independent.

“She did not have far to travel to get to the race, and clearly knew how to escape after causing so much damage,” an investigative source told the Mail.

“Numerous witnesses were interviewed, and camera footage was also inspected in order to track the suspect down.”


  French authorities previously said the woman fled before investigators could reach her. EPA French authorities previously said the woman fled before investigators could reach her. EPA

  Cyril Lemoine of France is helped by medical staff members after crashing during the first stage of the 108th edition of the Tour de France. AFP via Getty Images Cyril Lemoine of France is helped by medical staff members after crashing during the first stage of the 108th edition of the Tour de France. AFP via Getty Images

Ride organizers have said they plan to take legal action against the woman.

“We are suing this woman who behaved so badly,” Tour deputy director Pierre-Yves Thouault told AFP.

“We are doing this so that the tiny minority of people who do this do not spoil the show for everyone.”

With Post wires

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy