The final stage of the Tour Down Under turned chaotic on January 21, 2024, when two kangaroos unexpectedly leaped onto the cycling course in the Adelaide Hills. The incident occurred approximately 100 kilometers into the 170-kilometer race, leading to multiple riders crashing and prompting a swift response from race officials.
Footage from the event shows the first kangaroo colliding with a rider, who was leading the race at the time. Almost immediately, a second kangaroo joined the scene, compounding the confusion and disruption. Cyclists described the moment as surreal, with many noting that the animals seemed to “throw themselves in front of the peloton.” Live commentators expressed their shock, with one declaring, “Oh it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before.”
Stuart O’Grady, the race director, acknowledged that while the stage was thrilling, the kangaroo incident overshadowed the competition. He commented, “Unfortunately, some hazards you just can’t plan for. Some wildlife you can’t tell to get out of the way.”
The stage, which featured steep climbs and eight laps through the challenging terrain of the Adelaide Hills, also faced soaring temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F). Despite the disruption, the race continued, but several riders had to withdraw due to injuries sustained in the crash. Tragically, one of the kangaroos had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries, while the other escaped unharmed.
Among the riders affected was Jay Vine, an Australian cycling star, who managed to avoid serious injury. Vine maintained his lead and ultimately secured his second title at the Tour Down Under. He shared his experience 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.”
Vine recounted the moment of impact, describing how one of the kangaroos zigzagged in front of him, causing him to collide with it as he was traveling at about 50 km/h. “It’s one of those things, bad luck. Luckily I’m OK and glad I’m able to hold onto the (winning) jersey,” he added. After quickly remounting and switching bikes, Vine finished the race safely in the main group behind Matthew Brennan, who won the final sprint.
The bizarre incident has since garnered significant attention on social media, with many users commenting on the uniquely Australian nature of the event. Some have even called for a ban on bicycles in wildlife areas to prevent future incidents, highlighting the need for greater awareness of wildlife safety during such events.
As the cycling community reflects on this unexpected turn of events, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports, particularly in regions where wildlife interactions are possible.
