Tour de France peloton’s stage 16 was interrupted by farmers’ protests against a cut in state aid, according to the radio station, run by the organizers of the cycling race.
French media reports suggested that some of the riders might have been attacked with pepper spray, with a number of participants washing out their eyes, while others are returning to their team cars for medical treatment.
Race stopped @letour after protesting farmers attempt to block the road. Police appear to have used pepper spray…..which blew back into the peloton…….genius. Medical staff are washing out riders eyes. #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/j6smiBWima
When farmer protests go too far: French farmers block Tour de France route and pepper spray believed to be from Police blows into rider’s eyes. This isn’t how you get the message across #TourdeFrance pic.twitter.com/cg1YB6RV2l
According to The Guardian’s live updates, ITV 4’s commentary team had revealed that it was a French policeman who had accidentally used the pepper spray against several cyclists in an attempt to stop a protester, trying to throw hay-bales on to the road on the route from Carcassonne to Bagneres-de-Luchon. Farmers are reportedly protesting against a cut in state aid.
Holy crap. The tour de France is now basically stopped after some people sprayed pepper spray or so and pushed hay rolls on the street?!? #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/m1r4cb62u9
Watching the Tour de France. French police have just inadvertently tear-gassed the entire field, bringing it to a halt. Other than that, all going very smoothly…
The race has resumed after the brief break, according to the radio station, run by Tour organizers.
