Farmers protest, Tour de France interrupted

BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON, July 24 

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A protest by local farmers brought Stage 16 of the Tour de France to a halt on Tuesday as bales of hay were thrown on to the road on the route from Carcassonne to Bagneres-de-Luchon.  The tear gas, used by the police to disperse the agitating farmers, ended up blowing in the direction of the peloton, which led to the race being stopped briefly. 

According to French media reports, the farmers from the Ariege department in southwestern France were protesting against the reduction of European Union funding.

Yellow jersey holder Geraint Thomas and world champion Peter Sagan were among the riders rinsing their eyes after the incident, which stopped the stage for 15 minutes. It is not the first time that protesters have interrupted a prominent race, the most remarkable incident happening in 1984, when French great Bernard Hinault punched one of the demonstrators. 

Alaphilippe whizzes to second stage win

Julian Alaphilippe's descending skills made the difference as the Frenchman claimed his second victory in this year's Tour de France to take the 16th stage on Tuesday. The Quick-Step Floors rider, who has already prevailed in the 10th stage in Le Grand Bornand, whizzed past Adam Yates six kilometres from the line after the Briton had hit the asphalt in a left-hand curve in the final descent. Spain's Gorka Izagirre took second place and Yates finished third, 15 seconds behind.

Don’t insult French fans, UCI boss urges Team Sky

International Cycling Union (UCI) president David Lappartient urged Sir Dave Brailsford on Tuesday not to insult French fans after the Team Sky principal said spitting and booing at riders was a “French thing”. In comments that will offend the host nation, Brailsford said that physical intimidation “just seems to be a French thing. Like a French cultural thing”. But Frenchman Lappartient asked the Sky team boss not to stir up animosity among the local fans. — Agencies