Police accidentally tear gas several Tour de France riders amid farmers' protest

Tom Schad | USA TODAY

Stage 16 of the Tour de France came to a temporary halt Tuesday after farmers threw hay bales into the road as part of a protest, and tear gas used by police to clear the protesters wound up in the eyes of multiple racers.

According to Agence France-Presse, the bales of hay caused a stoppage about 16 miles into the stage's 135-mile route as farmers protested a decline in state aid.

The wire service also reported that tear gas sprayed by French police at one of the protesters was then blown back into a group of riders, who sought treatment to clear their vision.

"After a 15-minute-long interruption caused by protesters, the race is back on," Tour organizers wrote on Twitter.

Four-time champion Chris Froome and overall leader Geraint Thomas were among those trying to clear their eyes before resuming the race, according to multiple reports.

🏁 - 185 km

After a 15 minute-long interruption cause by protesters, the race is back on. 🚩

Après une interruption d'une quinzaine de minutes due à une manifestation, la course a repris. 🚩#TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/LC94tTwuPz — Le Tour de France (@LeTour) July 24, 2018

Tuesday's protest was the latest incident in what has been an eventful Tour de France, as fans have expressed outrage about Froome's participation. The British cyclist faced a suspension for using twice the allotted amount of a medication that is typically used to treat asthma, according to the Associated Press, but he was allowed to compete.

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.