Cyclists at this year’s Tour de France are facing an unexpected hazard on the road – selfies.
As more than 1 million people lined the route between Cambridge and London during the Tour’s final stage in England, the near 200-strong peloton struggled to avoid eager spectators taking the latest social media frenzy a little too far.
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American cyclist Tejay van Garderen voiced his frustration, saying the selfies pose a safety risk to the riders. He wrote on his Twitter account, “It’s dangerous mix of vanity and stupidity,” before adding, “I love the crowds and thank you for your support. But please give us room. Gotta ice my knee now.”
Australian cyclist Zak Dempster expressed his concern about the Tour de France pictures by including them in his list of the top three most dangerous selfies.
And Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara pleaded with fans to stay off those narrow roads.
The race began on Saturday in England and will now head to France, concluding in Paris on July 27. To those who plan on watching the riders this month, you’ve been warned.
But that hasn't stopped everyone.