Farmers’ protest and police tear gas interrupt Tour de France Stage 16

Early in Stage 16 of the Tour de France, a farmers’ protest interrupted the race, causing the organizers to neutralize the proceedings with 187-km to go. The race came to a halt for 15-minutes.

Several breakaways had pinged off the front in the opening kilometres when hay bales were placed on the road. The gendarmes got heavy, swinging truncheons and spraying tear gas at the protestors.

The race was delayed 15 minutes as police cleared the route of demonstrators with the help of tear gas. pic.twitter.com/eTTw510Y6F

— Race Radio (@TheRaceRadio) July 24, 2018

The constabulary was also curt with the sheep that were supposed to participate in the protest.

The protesters had planned to use a flock of sheep. Despite the efforts of a sheep dog they were not successful pic.twitter.com/S6o622DUQp

— Race Radio (@TheRaceRadio) July 24, 2018

The tear gas irritated the eyes of several of the riders.

Sagan and Thomas were affected by the tear gas https://t.co/IHqODbhGwR pic.twitter.com/UfNpJHiiBi

— Race Radio (@TheRaceRadio) July 24, 2018

Water was used to clear sore peepers before the race got going again.