Tour de France organisers have confirmed a female spectator was killed after being hit by a motorbike as she watched the 14th stage of the race.
A statement released on letour.fr said a member of the Republican Guard was riding behind a breakaway group, 38 kilometres into the stage between Colmar and Besancon, when he struck a 61-year-old woman, who was crossing the road.
The spectator died despite receiving intensive treatment.
Two other spectators were also injured in the crash, which occurred in the village of Wittelsheim, and both are currently in hospital.
A 36-year-old is suffering from neck pain and a 61-year-old sustained a broken leg.
The statement was released following an inquiry by police in Wittelsheim.
It said: "A member of the Republican Guard on a motorcycle was riding behind the breakaway group when he hit a 61-year old woman who crossed the street suddenly.
"After the crash, the motorcycle slid further and injured two other spectators.
"The medical service of the Tour de France immediately took charge of the injured people before emergency personnel took over.
"Despite the intensive treatment, the 61-year-old spectator did not survive her injuries.
"The two other victims of the accident are a 36-year-old who is suffering from neck pain, and a 61-year-old who has a broken leg. Both were transported to the hospital in Mulhouse.
"Deeply affected by this tragic accident, the Gendarmerie, the Republican Guard and the Tour de France organisation offer their condolences to the families and friends of the victim and promise their full support to those who were injured."
The Republican Guard are the ceremonial unit of the French police force.
(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2009)
