Sport Forward: Le Tour riders shot at and hurt

Freire is a three-time world champion

Spaniard Oscar Freire and New Zealand's Julian Dean were both hit by pellets from an air gun during Friday's 13th stage of the Tour de France.

Rabobank's Freire had a pellet removed from his leg while Dean, who rides for Garmin-Slipstream, was hit on a finger.

"Oscar heard three shots and then felt a sting. A small shot was removed," said a Rabobank team spokesman.

"Julian has a minor injury on his finger, but he was able to finish," said Garmin spokeswoman Marya Pongrace.

French police are now investigating and have already contacted Dean for his account of the events.

Both riders are expected to continue racing when the action continues of Saturday.

Freire was hit in the thigh while Dean was struck on the left index finger.

"The doctor is expecting Freire to start Saturday's 14th stage and that his injury will not bother him too much," said a Rabobank statement.

Pongrace added: "Julian was very lucky. He is a little shaken up, but we expect him to start tomorrow."

The 200km stage from Vittel to Colmarstage was won by Cervelo rider Heinrich Haussler, the first stage win of his career.

Italian Rilando Nocentini continues to wear the leader's yellow jersey.

Sport Forward