The Tour de France will conclude on Sunday, but not before an unexpected incident involving Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio during Stage 19. While climbing Alpe d’Huez, Rubio followed closely behind a support vehicle. This strategy is often used to lessen air resistance. However, Rubio did not foresee the vehicle needing to brake abruptly on the narrow road, crowded with spectators.
According to UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Rubio collided with their car, which stopped suddenly to avoid hitting a spectator who had fallen onto the road. A team spokesperson explained, “A spectator fell forward directly into the path of the car. The car braked to avoid the collision. It was a very unfortunate incident and something nobody wants to see. We wish Einer Rubio a speedy recovery.”
“A spectator fell forward directly into the path of the car,” said the team spokesperson, as reported by The Telegraph. “The car braked to avoid the collision. It was a very unfortunate incident and something nobody wants to see. We wish Einer Rubio a speedy recovery.”
Rubio, who was 27th in the overall standings at the time, sustained significant injuries, requiring 20 stitches. He spent an hour in a medical tent before being transported by helicopter to a hospital for further evaluation.
Incidents like these raise concerns about the proximity of fans to the race action. The presence of spectators so close to the cyclists often poses risks, potentially leading to crashes, as displayed in this case. As the race wraps up, safety measures concerning crowd control around the track remain a topic of discussion.