GNB

I've been following the Tour fairly closely and so far I have seen fans almost knock riders over while running next to them to the point where the rider had to swing at them to get them away, a fan start pushing a rider up a climb and the rider was docket points/time, and a fan throw a cup of liquid on a rider as he passed by. I sure hope it was water but it could just as easily have been something really bad! I have only seen one race in person and I sure don't remember people being that bad! Is this kind of behavior only in Europe? Has anyone seen or been involved in something like this?

-GNB

bac

GNB, there is a LOT of drinking happening during the hours and hours of waiting for the riders to roll by. This no doubt contributes to the type of behavior you've seen. All in all, I think that generally this adds to the sport. However, there is a line that should not be crossed, but many do.

... Brad

SDRider

Unfortunately...

They can act like clowns all they want but once you start touching riders that's going too far. Oh, and what idiot thought it would be a good idea to let his dog roam around loose on the streets during that stage a few days ago? The owner of that dog should be fined the price of that front wheel on the T-Mobile rider's bike.

2Tired2Shift

Didn't some of the French "fans" spit on Lance on some of the climbing stages?

Murfdawg

I dont think it's different than any other sport, other than the fans are a foot away from their favorite sport stars with no barrier in between... if you look at it that way they are pretty behaved for the most part

garysol1 

You can experience the crazyness on the top section of Brasstown Bald during the Tour De Georgia. The road is 2 lane wide but is squeezed down to a lane width by all the fans. There are fans in costume running with the racers and fans pushing the racers up the hill just like you see on TV. It is to be experienced if possible.

EventServices

The costumed characters have reached the point of annoying, IMO, particularly at the AToC. Many of them are just their to attract attention to themselves, adding nothing to the event. In fact, some of them have no connection to cycling whatsoever. For example: the big guy in the white jumpsuit with the fro and the big glasses is nowhere to be seen when the TV cameras aren't around. Just someone glomming onto the success of others.

Otherwise, it's not different now than it was many years ago. If you watch the old CBS telecasts of the Lemond-Hinault days, it was very much the same as it is now. I wouldn't stress it.

garysol1 

Then you have guys like Didi Senft is almost as big as the racers themselves. The guy in the Borat outfit the other day at the TDF is another story though.

CCFISH81

What rider was docked time for getting a push from a fan?!

gurana

Just curious, but how are we supposed to see him when the cameras aren't around? Unless you're talking about when you're actually at the event...

caloso

Ask Eddy about his experience in 1975 on Puy-de-Dome.

rydaddy

haha, I read that in this months Bicycling mag. I hope Eddy kicked his ass after the race.....

Kestrelman

If I recall correctly from Lance's book, it was Germans who spit on him - Jan Ullrich fans.

same time

I'm proud to say that my fans are all exceptionally well-behaved, and come nowhere near the road when I'm riding.

Some of the folks you see touching the racers on the mountain climbs are souvenir hunters trying to grab hats, glasses (off top of head), or water bottles.

The fans spitting at Lance a couple of years ago were German, angry because Armstrong outsprinted Kloden for a stage win when he really didn't have to. Armstrong had bad things to say about the German fans to the press, and it escalated.

discoteamfan

I think Eddy did finish the climb up Puy-de-Dome and rode back down and found the guy if I remember correctly

rydaddy

I know he went back to find him. It's what happened after he found him I'd like to know....

EventServices

I see now that I left that out of my comments.

Yes, I was referring to being at the events.
He's not what I call a cycling fan. I would call him a "get-on-TV-no-matter-how-silly-I-have-to-act fan"

GNB

Oh excellent! I'm in GA as well...we live in Buckhead!

GNB

But isn't that aweful as well!? Trying to rip clothing and accessories off of riders!? Horrible not to mention dangerous!

Turboem1

what happened with eddy?

croscoe

This is one of my favorites.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=K7O1yMRYSQo

GNB

Good for him!! That was so immature/disrespectful!!