This is clearly their fault.
Close proximity to "spirited" fans is a part of the culture of the race (and other European races). And it isn't really practical to turn 2000+ miles of public roads into a sports venue with barriers, security, etc on a rolling basis for a couple of days.
While this person is to blame, it's a case of when, not if, future incidents occur with the current situation. For me some responsibility lies with the organisers.
How? What does that mean? The riders sue the organizers?
So? Is that a good thing?
Any attempt to un-normalise it is to be praised, not pooh-poohed.
Do they?
If they don't happen, it seems like a miracle of happenstance -- fans swaying or bikers leaning by a cm or two.
shit does indeed happen in multiple sports. Anecdotally in currently running Safari Rally, once again under WRC since 2002, military is providing support in form of soldiers with ARs and 1 meter long wooden batons they will use to beat you senseless for refusing to obey commands. Seems to be working.
The police said they intend to charge the unnamed spectator with “unintentional short-term injury through a manifestly deliberate breach of a duty of safety or care”.
And I agree- it's silly to go after the stupid person here, people behave carelessly in similar ways almost anywhere you go.
It's actually the fault of the event organizers for not accounting for the 'people' factor.