Spectator hit by Tour de France sponsor's vehicle

(AP) BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, France - A spectator has been hit by a vehicle in the Tour de France publicity caravan, leaving him with a fractured leg.

Georges Bos, chief of staff for the Nord-Pas-de-Calais governor, tells The Associated Press the spectator was taken to a hospital and has "one or several fractures." The vehicle driver was not injured.

The accident happened in the town of Saint-Floris, about 45 miles after the start of the third stage between Orchies and Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

The caravan is made up of 160 vehicles promoting 33 brands. The vehicles may use the race route about one hour ahead of the main pack.

A boy was killed in 2000 and another in 2002 after being hit by sponsors' vehicles. Tour organizers then reduced the number of the vehicles on the course.