A chaotic incident involving two kangaroos occurred during the final stage of the Tour Down Under on January 21, 2024. The unusual scene unfolded in the Adelaide Hills, where the animals leaped onto the race course, colliding with multiple cyclists. This unexpected encounter not only startled riders but also led to injuries and significant disruption in the competition.
Footage captured the moment a kangaroo bounded onto the 170-kilometer course with approximately 100 kilometers remaining, striking the race leader. Shortly after, a second kangaroo joined the fray, intensifying the chaos. Cyclists reported the experience as surreal, with some stating that the kangaroos “threw themselves in front of the peloton.” Commentators were equally taken aback, with one exclaiming, “Oh, it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before.”
The crash transpired during the longest stage of the race, characterized by steep climbs, eight laps around the Adelaide Hills, and temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Despite the tumult, the race continued, though several riders had to withdraw due to their injuries. Tragically, one of the kangaroos had to be euthanized due to its injuries, while the other managed to escape unscathed.
Race director Stuart O’Grady acknowledged the event as “one of the best” stages he had witnessed, even as he admitted that the kangaroo incident overshadowed the competition. Among those affected was Australian cycling star Jay Vine, who, despite sustaining a minor injury, retained his lead and ultimately secured his second title at the Tour Down Under. Vine 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.”
He elaborated on the incident, recalling how the kangaroo’s erratic movements led to his collision with it during the race. “One of them stopped, went left, right, left, right, left, right, and I ended up hitting its backside as it was flailing around on the ground. It’s one of those things—bad luck. Luckily, I’m okay and glad I’m able to hold onto the winning jersey.”
Vine managed to remount quickly and, after switching bikes, continued the race, ultimately finishing in the main group behind British cyclist Matthew Brennan, who clinched victory after a grueling sprint to the finish line.
The bizarre occurrence has since gone viral on social media, with many users remarking that it “cannot get more Aussie than that.” In light of the incident, some have called for stricter regulations regarding wildlife safety during sporting events, suggesting a ban on bikes in areas with high kangaroo populations to prevent future accidents. Such discussions reflect the ongoing balance between sporting events and the preservation of local wildlife.
