PARIS, July 8 (UPI) -- Tour de France cyclists have to face yet another obstacle in addition to the grueling physical challenge -- selfies.
Cyclists going 25 to 50 miles per hour have had to dodge spectators who have been turning their backs to the peloton to take selfies with the athletes. There have been several near-misses since the hashtag #TDFselfie took off on social media.
This could have been a huge disaster. #TdF http://t.co/8PEiJdVClz
— peloton magazine (@pelotonmagazine) July 6, 2014The cyclists have noticed and are not thrilled about the trend.
"The worst thing is when people have got their back to the peloton taking selfies. There were a few. They don't see us coming, they're stood in the road and it's dodgy," said cyclist Geraint Thomas.
American competitor Tejay van Garderen took to Twitter to issue a Tour de France selfie public service announcement.
A dangerous mix of vanity and stupidity.........
— Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) July 6, 2014Standing I the middle of the road with you back turned while 200 cyclists come at you, just to take a selfie. #think #TDF2014
Advertisement— Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) July 6, 2014That being said, I love the crowds and thank you for your support. But please give us room. Gonna ice my knee now.
— Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) July 6, 2014
