Tacks thrown on Tour de France course; riders show respect by slowing down

Tour de France cyclists already have to deal with dodging overexcited fans and stray dogs but yesterday it was an intentional act of sabotage which disrupted the rider's big race.


On Sunday— during Stage 14 of the race— some jackass tossed tacks onto the road in what looks like an attempt to shakeup the racers.  If that was the intent, it may have slowed down the cyclists' pace but didn't pop a hole in the compassion for the dozens of bikers that ran over the pointy hazards by their fellow riders.


The bikers unaffected by the havoc repspectfully slowed down until the other racers hopped on their replacement bikes and caught up to the main pack.


Officials said about 30 competitors blew out tires near Stage 14's steepest incline, the Mur de Peguere.  They said a couple of riders crashed and one cyclist broke his collarbone because of the tacks.

French police— who line the course route—we're investigating the rare incident but might have a hard time finding the culprit because of the secluded location.


One of the great things about the Tour de France is it's accessibility to the fans.  On occasion, a wandering chicken or clueless photographer may venture into the rider's path but sabotage is almost unprecedented.

There are only two big mountain stages remaining before the race ends in Paris next Sunday.  Bradley Wiggins of Britain is currently wearing the yellow jersey and the 32-year old is hoping to become the country's first winner of the Tour.


And they call Americans tacky.