A spectator has been blamed for the collapse for a flam rouge airbridge which injured British rider Adam Yates during stage seven of the 103rd Tour De France on Friday.
Race organisers ASO have confirmed that a spectator 'caught their belt on a cable, unplugging power from a generator that helped to keep the inflatable flamme rouge upright. The banner collapsed when the power was cut, and crashed into Adam Yates (Orica-BikeExchange). The British climber sustained an injury to his chin that required four stitches to close, and several other cuts and bruises.'
A spectator came too close to the structure and with his belt he caught it on the cable," ASO's Philippe Sudres told Cyclingnews.
"The cable powered the generator that powered the arch, the inflatable. We know that from a witness who was there and who talked to the police. We will reinforce the security around the structure so that this doesn't happen again. In maybe ten to fifteen years something like this has never happened. It was an accident, not someone looking to break it."