An Ineos Grenadiers team car struck a roadside spectator on the Col de Peyresourde during stage 14 of the Tour de France, drawing a fine and disciplinary action for team sports director Oliver Cookson. The incident occurred with just over 32km remaining in the stage, as the vehicle followed a breakaway containing Thymen Arensman and Carlos Rodriguez.
The car, travelling at moderate speed on the steep ascent, appeared to clip a fan who was leaning into the road while filming the race. Television footage showed the woman falling after the impact, losing her hat and phone in the process. The car came to an immediate stop, but there has yet to be any official update on the spectator’s condition.
Race officials later fined Cookson 5,000 Swiss francs (approximately £4,650) and issued him a yellow card for “incorrect behaviour that endangered spectators” under UCI article 1.12.007-8.2.2. Under the UCI’s 2025 disciplinary code, a second yellow card would lead to disqualification and a seven-day suspension from racing activity.
In a short statement, Ineos Grenadiers expressed regret and apologised:
“Our thoughts and sincere apologies go out to the fan who was accidentally and regretfully hit by one of our race cars while supporting the riders during today’s stage. Like all teams, we take great care to maintain a safe race environment for everyone, including the passionate fans who make our sport so special.”
The incident happened during a dramatic day in the Pyrenees that saw Arensman go on to win the stage at Superbagnères, handing Ineos their first Tour stage win in two years. Despite that success, the collision added a sour note to the team’s performance.
Prize money implications were not lost in the analysis either: with Arensman earning €11,000 for the stage win, the 5,000 CHF fine nearly halved that amount. The timing of the incident, so close to a rare moment of triumph for the team, only added to the scrutiny.
With race vehicles navigating narrow, fan-lined roads throughout the Tour, the incident again raises safety questions that have become increasingly prevalent, especially with the rising number of fan-related mishaps in recent editions. The Pyrenean climbs in particular are notorious for their close-quartered spectator zones, and the Col de Peyresourde was no exception on Saturday.
For now, Cookson remains in the race, but any repeat offence would see him ejected from the Tour, casting a shadow over Ineos’ final week as they look to protect Carlos Rodriguez’s top-10 position and build on Arensman’s breakthrough.
Main photo credit: Getty
