A pair of kangaroos caused significant disruption during the final stage of the Tour Down Under on January 21, 2024, as they unexpectedly leaped onto the course in the Adelaide Hills, colliding with several cyclists. The incident occurred on the 170-kilometer route, approximately 100 kilometers from the finish line, and resulted in injuries for multiple riders, leading to withdrawals from the race.
Footage captured during the event shows one kangaroo appearing on the course, colliding with the race leader. Moments later, a second kangaroo entered the fray, escalating the chaos. Riders described the experience as surreal, with one stating that the animals appeared to “throw themselves in front of the peloton.” The live commentary reflected the shock of the moment, as one commentator exclaimed, “Oh, it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before.”
The crash occurred during the longest stage of the Tour, which featured steep climbs, eight laps around the Adelaide Hills, and temperatures exceeding 37°C (100°F). Despite the chaos, the race continued. Tragically, one of the kangaroos had to be euthanized due to its injuries, while the other escaped without harm.
Race director Stuart O’Grady called the stage “one of the best” he had seen, although he acknowledged that the kangaroo incident overshadowed the race itself. Australian cyclist Jay Vine, who was among those involved in the crash, fortunately avoided serious injuries and managed to maintain his lead to secure a second title at the event.
In an interview with Channel 7, Vine remarked, “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.” He detailed how he collided with one of the kangaroos as it attempted to evade riders.
After the crash, Vine quickly remounted his bike and, following a change of equipment, continued the race, ultimately finishing safely in the main group behind British cyclist Matthew Brennan, who clinched victory in a sprint to the finish line after a challenging stage.
The unusual incident has since gained traction on social media, with many commenting on the unpredictability of wildlife encounters in Australia. Some users humorously stated that the event “cannot get any more Aussie than that,” while others called for measures to prevent such incidents in the future, suggesting a potential ban on bicycles in areas frequented by wildlife.
The unexpected appearance of kangaroos during an elite cycling event highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of outdoor sports in Australia, where wildlife encounters can lead to unforeseen challenges for athletes.
