July 19, 2011 (Gap, France) – A TV technician covering the Tour de France was found dead Tuesday morning reports AP. Patrick Guay, 59, a former racer himself in the 1970s, is the uncle of French rider Jerome Pineau (Quick Step). Guay was reportedly found dead in his caravan (camper) near the finish line in today’s 16th stage.
“Patrick Guay, who was working at his 27th Tour de France… was found dead next to his camping car close to the finish line in Gap early this morning,” reads a statement issued by race organizers. “The Tour de France cycling family is in mourning. An investigation has been launched by the relevant authorities to determine the circumstances of his death.”
Pineau, who started this morning wearing black wristbands, currently stands 38th in the 2011 TdF GC, won the King of the Mountains jersey for several stages in the 2010 TdF and also won the red combativity (most aggressive rider) jersey on Stage 7 that year.