Two kangaroos caused significant disruption during the final stage of the Tour Down Under on January 21, 2024, in the Adelaide Hills. As riders tackled the grueling 170-kilometer course, the animals unexpectedly leaped onto the track, colliding with several competitors. Footage from the event revealed that the first kangaroo appeared with approximately 100 kilometers left in the race, directly impacting the race leader. Almost immediately after, a second kangaroo joined the chaos.
Riders expressed disbelief at the incident, describing the scene as surreal. One competitor remarked that the kangaroos 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.” Another commentator noted, “Unfortunately, some hazards you just can’t plan for. Some wildlife you can’t tell to get out of the way.”
Race Conditions and Immediate Aftermath
The crash occurred during the longest stage of the race, characterized by steep climbs and eight laps around the challenging Adelaide Hills, with temperatures soaring above 38°C (100°F). Despite the incident, the race continued, although several riders withdrew due to injuries sustained in the collision. Tragically, one kangaroo had to be euthanized as a result of its injuries, while the other managed to escape unharmed.
Race director Stuart O’Grady described the stage as “one of the best” he had ever witnessed but acknowledged that the kangaroo incident overshadowed the competition’s excitement. Among the riders caught in the crash was Australian cycling star Jay Vine, who fortunately avoided serious injury. Vine managed to retain his lead and secured his second Tour Down Under title.
Reflecting on the experience, Vine told Channel 7, “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 the incident in detail, explaining, “One of them stopped, went left, right, left, right, left, right, and I ended up hitting its backside as it was flaying around on the ground. It’s one of those things, bad luck, luckily I’m OK and glad I’m able to hold onto the winning jersey.” After quickly remounting and changing bikes, Vine continued to finish safely within the main group, trailing Matthew Brennan of Great Britain, who emerged victorious in a sprint to the finish line.
Wildlife Concerns and Social Media Buzz
The unusual incident has since gone viral on social media, with many users commenting that it “cannot get any more Aussie than that.” The footage of the kangaroos running alongside the cyclists captured widespread attention, prompting discussions about wildlife encounters during sporting events. Some social media users even called for a ban on “dangerous bikes” to prevent further conflicts between wildlife and cyclists.
In the aftermath, the event has raised awareness about the interaction between wildlife and sporting events in Australia. While the race continued without further incidents, the kangaroo collision serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor events and the importance of safeguarding both human participants and wildlife.
