A pair of kangaroos caused significant disruption during the final stage of the Tour Down Under on January 21, 2024, as they leaped onto the course and collided with several cyclists in the Adelaide Hills. The unusual incident unfolded when the first kangaroo appeared on the 170-kilometer route with approximately 100 kilometers left to race, striking the leader of the peloton.
Footage from the event captured the moment the kangaroo entered the racecourse, leading to a chaotic scene as a second kangaroo quickly followed suit. Riders described the experience as surreal, with some stating that the animals seemed to “throw themselves in front of the peloton.” Live commentators echoed this sentiment, with one exclaiming, “Oh, it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before.”
The crash occurred during the longest stage of the event, which featured steep climbs, eight laps around the hills, and temperatures soaring above 100F (38C). Despite the chaos, the race continued, although several riders were forced to withdraw due to injuries sustained in the collision. Unfortunately, one of the kangaroos had to be euthanized due to severe injuries, while the other escaped without harm.
Race director Stuart O’Grady described the stage as “one of the best” he had seen but acknowledged that the crash overshadowed the competition.
Cyclist Jay Vine, who was among those involved in the incident, managed to avoid serious injury and retained his lead to secure a second title in the Tour Down Under. He shared his thoughts with Channel 7, stating, “Everyone asks me what’s the most dangerous thing in Australia, and I always tell them it’s kangaroos. Because 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 how one of the kangaroos changed direction erratically, leading to a collision as he attempted to navigate the situation. “It’s one of those things, bad luck. Luckily I’m OK and glad I’m able to hold onto the jersey,” he added. After quickly remounting and changing bikes, Vine finished safely in the main group behind British cyclist Matthew Brennan, who claimed victory in a sprint to the finish line.
The bizarre incident has since gone viral on social media, with many commenting that it “cannot get any more Aussie than that.” Some users even called for a ban on bicycles in wildlife areas to prevent further incidents.
As the sporting community reflects on this extraordinary event, it highlights the unpredictable nature of racing and the intersection of wildlife and sport in Australia.
