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Bernard Hinault shoves a spectator off the podium.

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Man escorted away by police

Bernard Hinault had an unexpected podium guest after Saturday's 14th stage of the Tour de France, as a man in full Française des Jeux kit strode to the top step of the podium.

It was not a member of the French squad but rather a determined intruder. As the manager of podium ceremonies at the Tour de France, Hinault, had no compunction about pushing the uninvited guest off the podium and off the stage.

The young man was immediately surrounded by police officers and taken away. It is believed his action was the result of a bet with friends. It was not known how he was able to get up on the stage, or what the outcome of his impromtu meeting with police was.

It is not the first time that Hinault, known during his racing years as 'The Badger', has had to employ his rather un-ceremonial, though very effective, tactic for removing trespassers. Saturday's incident it is the second such occurrence in recent years.

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