One of the most tense moments in cycling in 2023 involved Steff Cras, who was delivering a notable performance in the Tour de France, but his journey in the event came to an abrupt end in the eighth stage. The Belgian cyclist from the TotalEnergies team suffered a fall at the conclusion of this stage, caused by careless spectators. “I have to abandon the Tour because of you!” angrily attacked Cras.
Things did not go well for the 27-year-old Belgian at the conclusion of the eighth stage in Limoges. Due to an incident that also involved Simon Yates and Mikel Landa, he was forced to abandon. Steff Cras’ fall was caused by the negligence of the spectators. In a post, the Belgian expressed his indignation and disappointment with these particular spectators.
The fans were approaching within at least one meter of the road and did not step back, resulting in falls of some cyclists. “If you, as a spectator, move a meter forward and refuse to yield when the peloton approaches, it’s better to stay home. You have no respect for the cyclists,” declared Cras directly to the spectator. “I hope you feel very guilty! Because of you, I had to abandon the Tour.”
The unfortunate Cras was taken to the hospital; however, the physical damage was not so severe. His team announced on social media: “Steff has several bruises on the elbow and hip, but fortunately, no fractures.”
The Belgian climber had been playing a prominent role in the Tour de France. The TotalEnergies cyclist was in thirteenth place in the general classification after seven stages, with a time difference of six minutes and ten seconds from the leader, Jonas Vingegaard.