Jan Hirt joined the Tour de France to help teammate Remco Evenepoel win the yellow jersey in his race debut. However, the domestique cyclist got off to the worst-possible start by shattering three teeth and bloodying his lip before the start of the opening stage.
His incident sparked a lot of backlash amongst his team, as well as the cycling community.
Hirt, 33, had just finished signing the start sheet and was casually riding back to his Soudal Quick-Step team bus when he became the first ride to crash at the 2024 Tour de France. Crowds outside of the barriers were large, but the fencing was supposed to them at bay.
However, fans in Florence were able to circumvent the security/safety measures by lifting the metal barriers or jumping over. Credentialed journalists were unable to reach the riders prior to the race because spectators swarmed restricted areas. Security told them that there was nothing that could be done!
A video of Hirt’s teammate, Gianni Moscon, depicts the scene prior to the start. He was furious with a camerawoman for failing to get out of his way. She (accidentally) bumped him and caused him to step off of his bike.
Hirt came off much worse.
According to team manager Patrick Lefevere, a rogue spectator’s bag knocked him to the ground. A fat lip and scratch on his chin was the least of his concerns. Each of Hirt’s central incisors were smashed.
Although the edentate rider was cleared to start the stage, an injury of this nature is far more destructive than it might look. Especially in terms of psyche.
Yves Lampaert, Hirt’s teammate, ripped event organizers for how poorly the morning was handled.
It is complete chaos. The organization has no control over it at all. People are running everywhere.
Jan went over the top. We riders gets fines galore for small things, the organization should take a look in the mirror. It is unacceptable.
— Yves Lampaert, via VTM Nieuws
Organizers will certainly try to fix the security issue before the second stage. It is too little, too late! Jan Hirt is hurt after a Tour de France crash.