Chris Froome has defended his decision to lash out at a spectator while on the way to securing a dramatic stage eight victory at the Tour de France.
The bizarre incident happened before Froome launched the stunning downhill attack that secured his win. The man, wearing a Colombia national football shirt, came too close to Froome, who responded by jabbing him in the face.
“I have absolutely nothing against the Colombian fans, I think they’re fantastic,” Froome said after the race. “They bring great spirit to it. But this guy in particular was running right next to my handlebars. He had a flag that was flying out behind him and it was just getting dangerous so I pushed him away. I lashed out and pushed him away.”
The spectator was supporting Froome’s main rival, the two-time Tour runner-up Nairo Quintana of Colombia.
“It’s fantastic having so many fans out on the road but please, don’t try and run with the riders,” Froome said. “It gets really dangerous for the guys behind you.”
Tour spokesman Fabrice Tiano said the race jury had decided to fine Froome 200 Swiss francs (£157) for “inappropriate behaviour”.
The incident appeared to motivate Froome, who left Quintana and the other leading contenders behind on the way down from the Col de Peyresourde.
Brian Cookson, the UCI president, warned that the sport risks “something tragic” if fans do not behave. Speaking before the Froome incident, he told the Sunday Telegraph: “I don’t want to overstate it but ultimately we have a unique sport; it is a privilege to be able to get up close to the race and to the event. But people have a responsibility to respect that as well.
“I saw things last year during the Tour that I think went too far. And it wouldn’t take too much of a step for something tragic to happen. The beauty of our sport is its accessibility; we need to be careful we don’t lose that.”
