Has cardboard ever stopped a race or caused a major accident? No, right? So now you will be surprised to know that a major accident took place due to the Tour de France Cardboard, which is also called a signboard, which people remember even today.
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| Tour de France Cardboard incidents |
It so happened that, during the Tour de France in 2021, cyclists were passing through the French countryside at a speed of 50 km/hr when suddenly a fan lady pushed a Tour de France cardboard signboard with “Allez Opi-Omi” written on it into the middle of the track. Due to this, more than 40 cyclists immediately piled up and fell on the ground with sudden domino effect. Huge accident! There was a big mess.
The signboard caused a major accident, prompting the immediate suspension of the race. But the story does not end here. Now, after 3 years, a similar incident has happened again, but it is not tragic; it is a little bit interesting.
So in today's blog post, we will tell you about Julian Alaphilippe's Tour de France cardboard signboard incident, which is quite trending currently.
The 2021 TDF Cardboard Signboard Controversy
This incident happened in the month of June 2021. The event was the first race of the Tour de France. A spectator raised her signboard for the camera, but she lost her balance, causing a significant disruption.
What happened after all?
Actually, what happened was that, when the 2021 Tour de France Stage 1 had started, a huge crowd of fans had gathered on the track. Meanwhile, a 31-year-old lady was standing in the crowd carrying a big signboard with her. It was written on the signboard, “Allez Opi-Omi,” which means “Go, grandpa-grandma.” This was written in German and French.
That lady's intention was that her signboard should be visible in the camera, so she took the board more forward, which came from the cross line of the track. Due to which that TDF cardboard signboard collided with the German rider Tony Martin. Then what? As soon as the board was put up, Tony Martin fell down on the ground with force. And suddenly the cyclists behind him on the track collided one after the other as soon as he fell. In this way, a total of more than 40 riders had an accident here.
What was the impact of this incident?
This incident happened because cardboard signs at the Tour de France were massive. Many riders were injured in the incident.
- Spanish rider Marc Soler was injured badly; he had to lose his hands.
- 8 riders had to be sent to a medical emergency.
- 2 riders had to leave the race.
- The race was delayed by 5 minutes and was soon stopped.
What action was taken against that lady?
- After this incident, the lady began to receive hate, trolling, and anger from various sources. That is why the association did not reveal her identity.
- But the lady was fined €1,200 by the association.
- A symbolic €1 compensation also had to be given to the cyclists association.
- Earlier a case was filed against that lady by the Tour de France, but then it was taken back.
This Tour de France cardboard video also went viral on social media, on which the fans showed their anger. And for many days there was discussion on “whether the fans should stay so close to the tracks or whether they should do such harmful stunts.”
Overall, this 2021 Tour de France cardboard incident was the result of unthoughtful activity of the fans, in which not only the flow of the race was disrupted but the careers of many riders were also ruined.
The 2025 TDF Cardboard Controversy
Incidents like the Tour de France cardboard in 2021, similarly there is an incident in TDF 2025 too. But this incident is not tragic but a bit funny.
Actually, just now in July 2025, the race had started during Tour de France stage 14 (Pyrenees region); everything was set, fans were cheering, and the riders were moving towards the finish line at speed.
This race had started on the Col du Tourmalet mountain; the weather keeps changing on this mountain. Due to which the riders had to face rain and cold wind while climbing. This cold wind was troubling their bodies a lot.
What was the scene?
The riders' ski bodies were cold due to the rain, and there was a breeze above. To save himself from this cold, French rider Julian Alaphilippe did a very funny thing. He saw that a fan was holding a TDF cardboard signboard on which was written a cheering message for "Wout van Aert." Wout is Julian's rival rider. He humorously snatched the board from the fan's hand, tore it, and then tucked a piece of it inside his jersey. He did this to protect himself from the cold. This incident happened so suddenly that the fan who was holding this board was shocked for some time.
Then what happened?
Julian Alaphilippe had done this in a funny way, but he did not recognize anyone's emotions, so he apologized in front of the live camera during the ride. And as soon as the race ended, he personally went and met that fan and got him photo clicked with his favorite rider, Van Aert. And he also gave him a sign bib on his behalf.
This moment became the best of a lifetime for that fan.
What is the reaction on social media regarding this TDF board incident?
So this Tour de France cardboard video went viral on social media, after which many funny, mixed reactions and memes came to the fore. Some like this.
🗣️ “What do I say, impose a fake fine of 1000 Swiss francs on Julian Alaphilippe 😆?”
🗣️ “😳Alaphilippe stole”
🗣️ “Now this fan will not be able to sleep for 4 days. 😬”
🗣️ “He did it intentionally.”
Stage 14 was brightened somewhat by the Tour de France cardboard signboard. Some people laughed at this moment, while others expressed their displeasure. But this incident was better than the tragic one in 2021.
TDF 2021 cardboard incident vs. TDF 2025 cardboard incident
Different emotions are visible in both these incidents.
In 2021:
- The signboard caused a crash; many riders got injured.
- The race ended midway, and it became a dark moment for someone.
In 2025:
- The signboard created a funny moment.
- Saved the rider from the cold
- Gave a lifetime memory to the fans
- No one was injured or harmed.
It is clear from these incidents that the Tour de France cardboard signboard is not the reason for any crash. Rather, it can sometimes be funny, emotional, and even historical, like it has been made this time.
Why Cardboard Signs Matter on the Tour
Tour de France cardboard signs are a part of this racing tradition. The Tour de France has been held for many years, and fans have developed various emotions associated with it. That's why during TDF many fans make signboards on which is written "Allez Opi-Omi" or a cheer message for their favorite rider. This is a way that represents the happiness and support of the fans in every sport.
This signboard tradition is always seen throughout the crowd in all 21 stages of the Tour de France. But sometimes these boards also become the reason for some incidents. Like the recent 2021 case, in which rider Tony Martin fell down after going off the board and more than 40 riders had an accident due to domino effects.
Riders travel at a very high speed, sometimes from 50 km/hr to 80 km/hr. In such a situation, if anything comes on the track, then there are maximum chances of domino effects.
A similar incident also happened in 1994, where a policeman entered the track to take a photo with fans, which resulted in a crash.
But sometimes the Tour de France cardboard signs have also become the reason for some funny incidents. Like Alaphilippe's feat in 2025.
Overall, not all incidents are negative; however, it is important to be mindful of certain factors in specific locations. Like
- There needs to be a clear line between the fans and the track during the Tour de France.
- Fans who come too close to the track or seek attention can pose a danger to the race.
So while respecting the Tour de France and its tradition, Tour de France cardboard fans should do whatever they want to do within their limits. Because fans show their love on one hand, but sometimes the race can go into danger due to one mistake of theirs. Riders can also become hurt. So maintaining balance and following the rules can be best for the future of TDF.
Lessons and the Future of Fan Engagement
This is the tragic incident of 2021, followed by the funny incident of 2025. The fact that this happened shows how important it is for fans to follow the rules, since even small mistakes can put the riders in danger. When Tony Martin was hit with a TDF cardboard in 2021, which had a massive crash, he posted a story on his Instagram and said, “Please respect the riders and the Tour de France!”
Following Martin's post, the TDF organizers emphasized the importance of adhering to the established distance rule between fans and riders.
They also dropped the related lawsuit to maintain a balance between celebration and punishment.
What safety protocols will be introduced for fans and riders in the future?
- A proper cheering zone will be created so that there is a distance between fans and riders.
- Digital cheering boards will be installed so that the Tour de France cardboard tradition is maintained and there is no need for physical cardboard.
Conclusion
Both the 2021 and 2025 incidents happened because of the Tour de France cardboard signboard. But the 2021 incident was tragic. Based on that event, I think fans like you and me should follow the rules of the organizers.
Like festivals, sports are celebrated, but it's up to fans like us to keep it safe. If you look at the incident in 2021, 50+ riders were hospitalized due to the mistake of the fans. Such a big loss should never happen at any event; that's why spectators should always follow the rules.
Everyone had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the humorous event that took place in the year 2025. But Alaphilippe even apologized for this and also surprised the fan with a photo and sign bib.
Now it is your and our responsibility that whenever we go to watch a sports event, we should not make any mistake in overexcitement or to bring ourselves into the limelight, which may spoil the entire event. Because fans are the soul of sports, we should fulfill our responsibility responsibly.
If the Tour de France implements separate seating arrangements and digital signboards in the future, it will prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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