Cyclingfan.com
A cyclist slaps a smartphone out of the hand of a spectator
Millions of fans have already turned out to watch the event, which started in Yorkshire, England. In an attempt to get as close to the action as possible, smartphone-happy fans are stepping through the throngs of viewers and into the raceway to take selfies with passing-by cyclists. There's a hashtag for the photos: $4.
Zoe Doyle's selfie has been widely circulated on Twitter, drawing much criticism for her caption: "Nearly died taking #TDFselfie"
- zoe (@zodoyle) $4
The selfie-takers are getting dangerously close to the cyclists, turning their backs on the fast-moving riders to get the perfect shot.
- José Been (@TourDeJose) $4
Other spectators have opted for safer selfies, if they're taking them at all.
American cyclist $4 was vocal on Twitter about his disdain for the phenomenon.
A dangerous mix of vanity and stupidity.........
- Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) $4
Standing I the middle of the road with you back turned while 200 cyclists come at you, just to take a selfie. $4 $4
- Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) $4
That 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) $4
Cyclist Geraint Thomas said $4 in the road during the first two stages of the race, reports the BBC. He's described the selfie-takers as ""the new pain in the arse" for riders.
"For sure, it was a bit dodgy at times," he said. "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."