**Armed Man Arrested Near Tour de France Finish After Making Threats**
A tense scene unfolded in Rouen on Tuesday afternoon as police detained a man wielding a knife near the finish line of the Tour de France, just hours before the world-famous race’s peloton was due to arrive in the city. The incident sparked alarm among spectators and organisers, but law enforcement acted rapidly to neutralise the threat and ensure the continuation of the event as planned.
The disturbance occurred at approximately 3:30pm local time at the Saint-Hilaire roundabout, situated close to Boulingrin—an area bustling with fans gathering for the arrival of cyclists competing in the fourth stage, who were still two hours away. French media have reported that the man appeared to be in a disturbed state, described as “visibly unbalanced,” and had been seen making threats whilst brandishing a knife in public.
Police attending the incident took decisive action to subdue the man before any further harm could be done. It is understood that during the swift intervention, an officer suffered a minor injury to their hand, but ultimately, the suspect was brought under control without significant incident. Eyewitnesses on the scene described the confrontation as dramatic, with one bystander commenting that police rushed at the individual as he attempted to flee and managed to disarm him after a brief struggle.
In the aftermath of the arrest, authorities were keen to reassure the public and maintain security measures to avoid disruptions to the Tour schedule. Their speedy response allowed the stage to go ahead without delay, ensuring that fans and competitors could focus on the sporting spectacle rather than the earlier drama. The city of Rouen, adorned in the vibrant yellow synonymous with the Tour de France, welcomed participants and supporters after the situation was contained.
Despite the unsettling events earlier in the day, the race continued as planned. The main group of riders was able to pursue and eventually catch up with a five-man breakaway as they made their way towards the finish line in Rouen, maintaining the intense competition that characterises this iconic sporting event. The atmosphere, initially dampened by concern, soon returned to one of celebration as the cyclists arrived.
While the Tour’s sporting narrative continued, the incident serves as a reminder of the heightened security challenges faced by high-profile international events. Local police maintained a visible presence throughout the day, assuring the public that every precaution was being taken to guarantee the safety of all in attendance.
On the racing front, the fourth stage was led by Dutch cyclist Mathieu van der Poel, who retained the coveted yellow jersey, holding onto a six-second advantage over Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar. Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard remained a handful of seconds further back. Among the British contingent, Joe Blackmore (Team Israel Premier-Tech) achieved an impressive seventh place overall at this stage in the race.
The Tour, which began on Saturday in Lille and traverses some of France’s most demanding landscapes—including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Massif Central—will culminate in three weeks’ time on Paris’s Champs-Élysées. Despite recent injuries sidelining top sprinters like Jasper Philipsen, competition remains fierce. Tuesday’s sprint finish saw Belgium’s Tim Merlier snatch victory in a dramatic conclusion, highlighting the enduring excitement of the event.
As security operations quietly faded into the background following the incident, both organisers and fans were reminded of the resilience and adaptability required to keep such a major sporting event on course. With the threat managed and the race proceeding, all eyes returned to the feats of endurance and strategy that define the Tour de France, underscoring the determination of both athletes and those working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure its success.