Spectator who caused Stage 1 crash taken into police custody

The spectator whose cardboard sign caused a mass crash during Stage 1 of the Tour de France has reportedly been apprehended and placed into custody by French Police.

Stage 1 crash at the Tour de France Source: SBS

With 46 kilometres to go, the spectator held the sign, which read 'Allez Opi Omi' out a little too far on to the road and it collided with Tony Martin (Jumbo Visma) causing him to crash and chaos to ensue behind him as a large number of riders went down including Jasha Sutterlin (Team DSM) who was forced to abandon the race.

Race organisers threatened legal action against the spectator as a result of the crash as the police opened an enquiry and began a search for the person responsible.

And according to French-based media outlet RTL, the culprit was identified, found and placed into custody in Landerneau on Wednesday, accused of involuntarily causing injury and facing a fine of 1,500 euros.