Rider punched in face by spectator

KAZAKH rider Andrey Kashechkin was punched in the face by a spectator as he was tackling the Marie Blanque climb in the Tour de France’s 16th stage from Mourenx to Pau yesterday.

“He received a punch in the face. He’s stunned. It’s unbelievable,” said his Credit Agricole team chief Roger Legeay.

He had just launched an attack with compatriot Alexander Vinokourov and American Levi Leipheimer when a spectator punched him.

His nose covered in blood, he rode back towards the spot where the spectator was standing, apparently to avenge the blow, but gave up and waited for the assistance of his team car.

During the 15th stage on Sunday, a spectator running alongside riders went under the wheels of a motorcycle carrying a TV cameraman.