A major cycling event in Australia turned chaotic when two kangaroos suddenly hopped onto the race course and collided with several riders, forcing some cyclists out of the competition and injuring the animals, one of which had to be euthanized. The incident, captured on broadcast cameras, left riders and commentators stunned as the unpredictable wildlife disrupted the peloton.
The crash occurred during a 105-mile stage race when the kangaroos bounded onto the road from nearby bushes, slamming into the group of riders. One cyclist was knocked off his bike about 45 miles in, and several others were forced to abandon the race due to injuries. Race winner Jay Vine, who had to change bikes twice after the collision, later told reporters it was a moment of grim validation.
“Everyone asks me what’s the most dangerous thing in Australia, and I always tell them it’s kangaroos,” Vine said. “They wait and they hide in the bushes until you can’t stop and they jump out in front of you. Point proven today.”
The animals didn’t escape unharmed; one kangaroo was so badly injured it had to be euthanized, while the other fled the scene. Broadcasters captured the moment live, with one exclaiming, “There’s been a crash in the peloton, and there it is… Oh, it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before.” His co-host added, “Unfortunately, one of the hazards of racing in Australia in these regions. Some of the wildlife, you can’t tell them, ‘Don’t go about your day, there’s a bike race on.’”
The race continued after the disruption, with Vine ultimately holding onto the leader’s jersey despite the setback. “It’s one of those things, bad luck,” he said. “Luckily, I’m okay and glad I’m able to hold onto the jersey.”
The incident highlights a recurring hazard for cyclists in rural Australia, where kangaroos frequently dart onto roads without warning. While the event drew laughs from some viewers, it also underscored the real risks of wildlife collisions in competitive cycling. No further injuries were reported after the kangaroos were cleared from the course, and the race finished without additional wildlife interruptions.
