Kangaroo causes mass crash during bike race
Two kangaroos caused significant disruption during the final stage of the Tour Down Under on January 21, 2024, creating chaos as they unexpectedly leaped onto the cycling course. The incident unfolded in the Adelaide Hills, where the race leader was struck by one of the kangaroos, prompting confusion among competitors and spectators alike.
Footage captured during the event shows the first kangaroo appearing on the 170-kilometer course with approximately 100 kilometers remaining. Following the initial collision, a second kangaroo entered the scene, compounding the mayhem. Riders described the surreal experience, with some stating the kangaroos “threw themselves in front of the peloton.” Commentators were equally astonished, with one exclaiming, “Oh, it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before.”
The crash occurred during the longest stage of the Tour, which featured steep climbs and eight laps around the Adelaide Hills. Compounding the challenge, temperatures soared above 100°F. Despite the disruption, the race continued, although several riders had to withdraw due to injuries sustained in the crash.
One of the kangaroos suffered severe injuries and had to be euthanized, while the other managed to escape without harm. Race director Stuart O’Grady remarked that the stage was “one of the best” he had witnessed, yet acknowledged that the incident overshadowed the race’s excitement.
Among those affected was Australian cyclist Jay Vine, who avoided serious injury. Vine, who ultimately retained his lead and secured his second Tour Down Under title, shared his experience with Channel 7. “Everyone asks me what’s the most dangerous thing in Australia, and I always tell them it’s kangaroos,” he noted. “They wait and they hide in the bushes until you can’t stop, and they jump out in front of you. Point proven today, two of them blasted through the peloton as we were doing probably 50 km/h.”
Vine recounted the chaotic moments, stating, “One of them stopped, went left, right, left, right, left, right, and I ended up hitting its backside as it was flaying around on the ground. It’s one of those things, bad luck; luckily, I’m OK and glad I’m able to hold onto the (winning) jersey.” After quickly remounting and changing bikes, Vine finished safely in the main group, just behind Matthew Brennan, who won the sprint to the finish line after a grueling climb.
The bizarre incident has since gone viral on social media, with many users commenting on the uniquely Australian nature of the event. Some have even called for a ban on certain cycling activities to prevent future harm to wildlife, highlighting the unpredictable nature of encounters between humans and animals in outdoor settings.
As the Tour Down Under continues to draw international attention, this incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by athletes competing in natural environments. The blend of sport and wildlife can create unexpected moments, as seen in this year’s dramatic finale.
