The car hit the fans about 800 meters (yards) from the line as it was arriving ahead of riders for the end of the stage from Lannemezan to Foix, organisers said in a statement.

The three people were taken to the accident and emergency unit at Foix hospital.

One woman had facial trauma and a suspected fractured jaw, one man had X-rays and may have fractured his leg, and the third person had no serious injury.

Organisers did not name which team the car belonged to, but said they would investigate the accident.

Kurt-Asle Arvesen of Norway won the stage, and Australia's Cadel Evans retained the race leader's yellow jersey. -- AP