Maeve Plouffe says non-race car nearly hit her during opening stage of Tour of Britain Women
Australian rider Maeve Plouffe said she was nearly struck by a non-race car while chasing the peloton during the opening stage of the Tour of Britain Women on Wednesday, after suffering a puncture.
Plouffe, 27, who rides for O’Shea Red Chilli Bikes, described the incident as “scary” against the backdrop of the recent death of 19-year-old Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal, killed last week in a collision with a vehicle that had entered the course. “While the race convoy was still in sight, and I was less than two minutes down, there were cars from the general public coming at me from all directions, including one that nearly hit me on a roundabout,” she said. “Later on, the moto escort was wonderful and I felt much safer. But considering the recent devastating events in our cycling community, it’s scary to see situations like this, when we know that this can have horrific consequences, especially so soon after suffering such a tragedy.”
Jonathan Day, events director of British Cycling Ventures, which organises the Tour of Britain Women, issued a statement to the BBC acknowledging Plouffe’s account. “We note Maeve Plouffe’s comments about her experience during yesterday’s race, and we’re taking these extremely seriously,” it read. “Rider safety is paramount and will always be treated as a priority in our planning and how we operate any race. “We’re reviewing what happened with Maeve and her team O’Shea Red Chilli Bikes with the seriousness and empathy these comments demand.”
Thursday’s second stage was affected by rain and was neutralised in the middle of the stage for nearly an hour following an unrelated road traffic accident ahead of the peloton. Lorena Wiebes sprinted to victory on the rain-affected second stage and had also won the opening stage of the race.
Separately, Josh Tarling, the older brother of Finlay, has been confirmed by Netcompany‑Ineos as a member of their squad for the Vuelta a España. The 22-year-old, who rode in the Tour de France this summer, was named on Thursday.
Their mother, Dawn, wrote on Instagram about Josh’s decision to ride: “He has chosen to do so in honour of his brother Fin, with the full support of his family, surrounded by a team who have been incredibly supportive of whatever decision he made. I could not have wished for two boys who were closer growing up and into adulthood we have watched with pride as Joshua has been the most loving and supportive big brother to Fin. Following this devastating news he has been an incredible strength for us all. “Finlay was so incredibly proud of his big brother, and would be watching nose to the TV and shouting as he competed. So it is right that Josh honours that love and pride by doing what Fin always loved watching him do.”
The Vuelta a España begins on Saturday, and Netcompany‑Ineos confirmed Tarling’s inclusion on Thursday.