The second stage of the 2023 Tour de France gave riders epic hills, which they expected, but also tacks on the road, which was an unpleasant surprise. At approximately 40 km. to go in the 209 km. race, several riders experienced abrupt punctures.
Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Luke Durbridge (Jayco-AlUla), Tom Pidcock (Ineos Grenadiers), and Lilian Calmejane (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty) were among upwards of 20 riders impacted by the tacks.
Calmejane posted a video to Twitter showing his front tire packed with at least 5 of the metal thorns. He called whoever is responsible for the tacks a “moron,” saying that riders could get legitimately hurt by such an act.
Excellent write-up
Excellent write-up
Excellent write-up