Tour de France Airgun Shooting: Oscar Freire, Julian Dean Injured

Police have launched an investigation after two riders suffered light injuries when hit by shots fired from an airgun on the 13th stage of the Tour de France overnight.

New Zealander Julian Dean of Garmin and Spaniard Oscar Freire of Rabobank were hit with pellets near the 165km mark of the 200km stage in the hilly Vosges region.

Freire, a triple world road race champion, had to have a pellet removed from his leg by his team doctor after finishing the stage.

"He's got a bit of bruising but he will be able to start on Saturday," said his team boss.

Dean, the main lead-out man for American sprinter Tyler Farrar, was hit on a finger of his left hand, according to his Garmin team.

Police working on the stage were immediately alerted by the teams.

"Julian was shot by an air rifle or BB gun (pellet gun) at the top of a climb during the stage. He has a minor injury on his finger but he was able to finish," Garmin-Slipstream spokeswoman Marya Pongrace confirmed.

"(Tour organisers) ASO have asked police to open an investigation."

Oscar Freire and Julian Dean have been hit during Tdf Stage 13 by an air gun.
Juan Manual Garate heard 3 shots, and suddenly Freire was screaming in pain. He had been hit right above the knee. Julian Dean has been hit in his hand.
The incident happened at 165km after the start of the 13th stage. Rabo team doctor Dion Van Bommel had to remove a metal ball in Freire's upper leg after the stage.