BESANCON, France — A woman crossing the road during the Tour de France was killed Saturday when she was hit by a police motorcycle escorting riders. Two other fans were injured after the motorcycle skidded into them.
The accident happened in the early afternoon in Wittelsheim in eastern France during the 14th stage. A few breakaway riders had just ridden through the town center, Tour organizers said.
Organizers identified the victim as a 61-year-old woman. Race medical teams treated her immediately before emergency staffers arrived.
The accident happened 24 miles into the stage. After hitting the woman, the motorcycle skidded into two other fans. A 36-year-old complained of neck pain, and a 61-year-old broke a leg. They were taken to a hospital and are not in serious condition.
Costly move.
Tour officials stripped British sprinter Mark Cavendish of his 13th-place finish in Saturday’s stage, ruling he unfairly cut off rival Thor Hushovd in the home straightaway.
Race officials fined Cavendish $185 for an “irregular sprint,” and demoted him to last place.
The Associated Press
