"Many spectators don’t respect the race" - INEOS DS admits mistake

INEOS Grenadiers were delighted to see Thymen Arensman triumph in Superbagneres, but at the same time the needs to solve a less pleasant matter at hand. Earlier in the stage a team car of the British formation hit a spectator just before the top of Col du Peyresourde - something that didn't escape the eagle eye of race cameras.

Sports director Oliver Cookson who was in the driver seat was already issued a yellow card by the race jury alongside a massive 5.000 CHF fine. Team will also hold an internal investigation to decide if the DS will be allowed to continue at the Tour.

"At that moment, we were trying to come past the group, there were motorbikes coming on the left side and then obviously a lot of the spectators don’t really give the respect to the race," INEOS Grenadiers DS Zak Dempster told Velo when asked what happened.

The Australian was angry afterwards that some fans simply don't respect the improvised safety measures in place. "They put the ropes and then people get in front of them," Dempster said. Riders need to be protected better, he states: "What’s the thing [they can do]? They’re going to fence every mountain-top?"

"We’re careful. We’ll get there when we get there. I’m sure I’ll see the video shortly — all I can say is it was an accident and hopefully the person is ok," Dempster said. "It’s just another reminder how dangerous these mountains can be," he added.

Earlier, INEOS Grenadiers issued following statement on the matter: