Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_18666752_3 ( total_penalties VARCHAR, rider VARCHAR )

### Question ###
How many penalties are there when Eric Vigeanel is the rider?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(total_penalties) FROM table_18666752_3 WHERE rider = "Eric Vigeanel"