Photo: LucyJoJames/Twitter

Blame Ellen.

Spectators stepping into the road to snap an awkward photo of themselves in front of the pack are the “latest pain in the ass,” according to one rider. “The worst thing is when people have got their back to the peloton taking selfies,” said Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas of this year’s race, which started Saturday. “There were a few. They don’t see us coming, they’re stood in the road and it’s dodgy. If you want to do that, stand on a wall or something.”

“They were just stood in the gutter,” he continued of the oblivious fans, whose support he, of course, loves and appreciates, in case the sponsors are getting the wrong idea. Still, “They don’t realize we use every part of the road. They are a lot of us and we use every inch. If you’re on the front [of the pack] you can see them but if you’re two back you nearly hit them.”

“I think people need to realize we take up the whole road,” said Thomas. “If you want to go and do that go and sit in a tree.”

American rider Tejay van Garderen concurred, after an injury:

A dangerous mix of vanity and stupidity......... — Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) July 6, 2014

Standing I the middle of the road with you back turned while 200 cyclists come at you, just to take a selfie. #think #TDF2014 — Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) July 6, 2014

That being said, I love the crowds and thank you for your support. But please give us room. Gonna ice my knee now. — Tejay van Garderen (@tejay_van) July 6, 2014

Those responsible range in age from teens to grown-ass adults, spanning sex, phone type, and selfie skill level:

Tour de France.....but first let me take a selfie pic.twitter.com/X6rCU8qcYx — Daniel Tate (@DanJGTate) July 6, 2014

Spend hours waiting on Holme Moss for Tour de France. Turn back when riders arrive to get a selfie. #brokenbritain pic.twitter.com/XBoHKI7Ywj — Alexander Britton (@adbritton) July 6, 2014

Got a selfie with some of the Tour de France cyclists #naebad pic.twitter.com/Psv0vI3rU8 — Scott Macgregor (@ScottMacG_) July 6, 2014

Cheeky little Tour De France selfie pic.twitter.com/mFU5OtzYKJ — Lucee (@LucyJoJames) July 7, 2014

My Tour de France selfie ayyyy pic.twitter.com/cS4ZIRC9OI — Waynestock (@St4teCh4mps) July 5, 2014

Great day! Tour de France selfie. pic.twitter.com/Uikbm489W0 — Jordan Barkham (@JordanBarkham) July 6, 2014

Suspects should be considered armed and dangerous, plus unrepentant and in desperate need of more “likes.” This is only the beginning.