A race invader was wrestled to the ground by police officers at the finish line of the Tour de France.

Footage shows the intruder being removed by officers at the scene in Valence on Wednesday, July 23. He was seen lying on the ground before staff dragged him away from the course.

The intruder reportedly breached the barriers moments before the peloton arrived at the finish of Stage 17 as Jonathan Milan secured his second stage win of this year's Tour.

Security personnel swiftly responded to the prankster, who was disguised as a competitor, wearing a Decathlon jersey and sporting race numbers on his back.

Local media reported that a man, 31, from Montelimer, located south of Valence, was taken into police custody following the incident.

The Tour de France is one of the world's most prestigious and gruelling cycling competitions, spanning over three weeks and covering thousands of kilometres across France and neighbouring countries.