FRANCE – The Tour de France is the greatest race in the world. Not just because it’s the most difficult sports competition in the world (I’ll go 15 rounds with anyone who wants to argue otherwise), but because of the spectacle that surrounds it. The audience, the parade, and the mountain bikers that keep jumping over it. Like Valentin Anouilh, who’s now jumped of the Tour de France twice.
“Oops I did it again… After I found that the Tour de France was coming next to my hometown I went and find a nice cliff cleaned the landing and went for it ! 12m high by 8m long , my biggest drop so far!”
The first time Valentin jumped the Tour was back in 2019, but he wasn’t the first to do it, and he probably won’t be the last. Now you might be wondering, “isn’t this illegal?” Well there doesn’t seem to be anything explicitly banning it, so no! It’s obviously not recommended and can be extremely dangerous, so (though I probably shouldn’t have to say it) DO NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF.
Race organizers probably aren’t super stoked about it, and I don’t think the actual racers would want a mountain biker falling on their head, but still, it’s not illegal. The first to pull off the stunt was Dave Watson, who did it back in 2003 for Freeride Entertainment‘s New World Disorder IV: Ride the Lightning.
“We’re excited that we’ve inspired generations of riders to do the same with this tradition. Our lawyers also told us to tell you guys “don’t try this at home” and that we don’t condone “illegal” activities.” – Freeride Entertainment
