Selfie-Snapping Fans are Causing Havoc at the Tour de France

Riders in the Tour de France are facing an unexpected new level of challenge this year – attempting to dodge roving throngs of dickheads who have decided that it’s a great idea to try and snap selfies on the course as the bikes are whizzing by. Though the race is only in its early stages, the Tour de France selfie trend has become enough of an issue that riders are in fear for their own safety.

Selfie with Tour de France!! pic.twitter.com/JqpXHfheq5

— EveLouise! (@evelouisepurdy) July 6, 2014

The early stages of this year’s Tour were held in England, and riders are already very upset at iPhone wielding sociopaths for getting all up in their personal space. Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas bluntly and amusingly referred to the selfie trend as “the latest pain in the arse”, while organisers are pleading for common sense and asking fans to stay the hell off the track. 

Best Tour De France selfie ever? @ITV @letour @KatieHolroyde #amazing pic.twitter.com/HaqwCnvPwj

— Fran Reeve (@FranJReeve) July 6, 2014

Simon Yates, who is riding for Australia’s Orica GreenEDGE team this year, expressed his dismay. “The crowd support in England was amazing,” he said. “The only real complaint was people taking selfies in the middle of the bunch and having their back to the peloton. Everyone is out there having fun and a lot of people don’t realise we’re coming past at 37 mph and we use every inch of the roads.”

Spend hours waiting on Holme Moss for Tour de France. Turn back when riders arrive to get a selfie. #brokenbritain pic.twitter.com/XBoHKI7Ywj

— Alexander Britton (@adbritton) July 6, 2014

Some have pointed out the stupidity inherent in waiting for hours on the sidelines to see a bike race come past, only to turn one’s back at the crucial moment, but the heart wants what it wants.

via New York Post

Photo: Bryn Lennon via Getty Images