Jan Hirt taken down by spectator’s bag, breaks teeth before Tour de France opener in hit to Evenepoel’s climbing support

Crashes are unfortunately commonplace at the Tour de France but the first of the 2024 edition came even before the start of the opening stage in Florence, as Jan Hirt (Soudal Quick-Step) hit the deck and broke his teeth after getting caught on a spectator’s bag. 

Organisers reportedly lost control at the Grand Départ in Tuscany, where spectators bypassed barriers and found their way into the team area. The commotion caused riders to have to part big crowds en route from sign-on back to their team buses, where Hirt caught his handlebars on the bag of a fan and fell onto his face.