Rail Firm Urges Legal Action Against Cyclists

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French state railway company SNCF has called for legal action against cyclist in the famous Paris-Roubaix race who cheated death when they ignored barriers to cross tracks.

A number of riders in the peloton rode through the level crossing - which clipped several riders as it came down - seconds before a high-speed train passed.

Some even ignored a police motorcyclist who ordered a large group of competitors to stop as the TGV train approached.

SNCF has filed an official complaint with police.

"Several riders deliberately crossed a level crossing, which is against all safety regulations," the company said in a statement.

"Millions of TV viewers were able to watch this unauthorised crossing which was extremely serious and irresponsible, that could have ended in tragedy.

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"SNCF has decided to lodge a legal complaint and will leave it up to the investigation to determine who was responsible and we regret that such foolhardiness took place."

The group of around 30 riders crossed the tracks in the Wallers region, around 87km (54 miles) from the end of the race.

Race organisers said the leading riders did not have enough time to stop and there no plans to take action against any of the cyclists.

"The peloton was 10m away when the barrier started to close. By neutralising the race for a few moments to not penalise those who stopped, we respected the spirit of the rule," Guy Dobbelaere, president of the jury of race commissioners, said.

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In 2006, three riders were disqualified for going through a closed railway crossing.

SNCF says it spends 30 million euros (£21.6m) a year trying to reduce accidents of level crossings.

After the latest incident the peloton regrouped, allowing riders left behind to catch up as they neared the finish of the 151-mile race.

Sir Bradley Wiggins finished 18th in his final race for Team Sky, 31 seconds behind winner John Degenkolb, from Germany.

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