Climate Activists Block Off Tour de France Route

One of the most historic races in cycling was interrupted by climate activists.

The Tour de France was stopped on Tuesday after climate activists created a blockage in the middle of the Tour de France’s biking route.

Authorities attempted to stop the protesters but by the time they arrived, bikers already had to stop riding due to heavy use of colored smoke and activists standing in the way.

The French climate group Dernière Rènovation was responsible for the stunt.

NEW – Eco activists glued themselves to the race track and hampered the Tour de France with smoke bombs.pic.twitter.com/3gVACLuDS9

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) July 12, 2022

CNN covered the story too:

Stage 10 of the Tour de France was halted on Tuesday after protesters blocked the road during the race.

All riders were forced to stop as the protesters sat across the road to block a clear and safe passage forward.
The broadcast showed authorities on the scene addressing the issue as colored smoke filled the air. Cameras captured a moment when the stage leader Alberto Bettiol deftly rode his bike through the protesters but ultimately had to halt.

It appeared that most of the riders were held back to gather and wait as the road was cleared.
The peloton was forced to stop due to protest action on the race route.

The peloton was forced to stop due to protest action on the race route.

The Tour de France race center said, “The race is neutralized. The race will resume with the same time gaps once the road will be cleared.”

French climate action group Dernière Rènovation has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s protest.

No way there's been an environmental protest at the tour de France💀 a bike race😂
Since when was cycling harming the environment 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/kKlXFSQvTW

— Wimms🇰🇪🇿🇲 (@Pastorpimms) July 12, 2022

Cycling News had these details to report:

The Tour de France stage to Megève came to a stop with 35km to go as the route was blocked by a group of protestors demanding action against climate change.

Alberto Bettiol (EF Education-EasyPost) had attacked the 25-rider breakaway that had gained over seven minutes on the group of race leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) and had a lead of 32 seconds when the race motorbike drew alongside to warn him the race would have to stop.

After a brief discussion regarding how his gap would be re-established when the race resumed, Bettiol stopped, as did the rest of the breakaway. The peloton rolled toward where the riders were stopped and were assured the same gaps would be maintained.

Bettiol shook his head in disbelief as he waited for the route to clear as protestors with flares sat in the middle of the road.

Climate activists disrupted the Tour de France today pic.twitter.com/GJ1rzciq8J

— Dr. Lucky Tran (@luckytran) July 12, 2022