This Australian Cyclist Was Knocked Down By A Kangaroo During A Race Down Under But Still Won
Despite the crash, Vine still secured the overall winner’s ochre jersey for UAE Team Emirates-XRG by one minute and three seconds.
Two kangaroos in Australia have caused an unexpected crash at the Tour Down Under cycling race after bouncing onto the road during the final stage of the tour, sending several riders to the ground.
The accident occurred on Sunday, Jan. 25, in the Adelaide Hills with around 96 kilometers remaining in the race, as the season-opening of the cycling race UCI WorldTour was nearing its conclusion.
The two kangaroos entered the course unexpectedly, colliding with riders in the tightly packed group known as the peloton and forcing several cyclists to abandon the race due to injuries.
Among those being knocked down was Australian rider Jay Vine, who first won the Tour Down Under in 2023 and was leading the race at the time.
Vine was able to continue after switching onto a teammate’s bike and finished 26th on the final stage.
Despite the crash, he still secured the overall winner’s ochre jersey for UAE Team Emirates-XRG by one minute and three seconds, according to the BBC.
Speaking after the race, Vine said people often ask him what the most dangerous thing about racing in Australia is and that he usually answers “kangaroos,” which was proven that day.
He added that he was relieved to avoid serious injury and happy to be able to hold on to the jersey.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG later revealed on Tuesday that Vine had fractured his wrist from the collision and has since undergone surgery, according to Cycling Weekly.
“He will be withdrawn from competition for post-op recovery and rehabilitation,” the team’s medical director added.
The crash quickly drew attention online, with fans describing it as peak Australia.
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