Besancon, France (GenevaLunch) - The 14th stage of the Tour de France was overshadowed by the death of a 61-year-old woman who was struck by a police motorcyclist as she crossed the road during the passage of the race. It is the first death of a race spectator since 2000. The accident took place near Wittelsheim. Two other spectators, injured when the bike slid into them, were taken by helicopter to a hospital in Mulhouse.
The stage was won by Russian Serguei Ivanov of Team Katusha. American rider George Hincapie, who was part of a breakaway group, was disappointed and angry that he had missed the Yellow Jersey by just five seconds as the pack reduced the gap from the leading group over the final few kilometres.
The 15th stage will end in Verbier, Switzerland with a steep climb which could be important in determining the final result. Spectators are strongly encouraged to take public transport, including the ski lifts to get to Verbier: many roads will be closed. The Swiss Alps have had fresh snowfalls in the psat two days, but the weather today is 6-18C with no precipitation in site around Verbier, although there is a 50 percent chance of strong winds.
Details, NY Times, Le Monde (Fre)
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News story, GenevaLunch, 19 July 2009.
Filed under: Sports
Tags: cycling, death, France, George Hincapie, Katusha, Martigny, Mulhouse, racing, Serguei Ivanov, Switzerland, Tour de France, traffic, Verbier, Wittelsheim, yellow jersey