Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Two Tour de France Riders Struck by Spectator Cars During Stage 16 Time Trial

Local police have treated one crash as accidental and teams say medical clearance will decide whether the injured riders start the next stage, a development that raises fresh questions about vehicle control around the route.

Overview

  • Xandro Meurisse was hit from behind by a spectator’s car in Thonon-les-Bains after finishing the Stage 16 time trial, suffering cuts, abrasions and bruises while his bike was destroyed.
  • Police attended the scene, questioned the driver and checked documents, and initial findings reported by team sources indicate the Meurisse collision was an accident.
  • Brandon McNulty was involved in a separate earlier collision with a car while riding the course before the time trial but sustained only minor injuries and was able to start Stage 16.
  • Teams say both riders are expected to be evaluated by medical staff and could start Stage 17 pending final clearance, with social media images and team statements documenting the damage and injuries.
  • Race organisers face renewed scrutiny over spectator and vehicle control because time-trial reconnaissance and post-finish movement increase riders’ exposure to cars, a concern intensified by other recent serious crashes in this edition of the Tour.