Cycling is one of few sports where the spectators can have a direct impact on the competition, though it’s almost never in a positive way. Several racers at the LVM Saarland Trofeo, a junior multi-day cycling race held annually in Germany, suffered a brutal crash during the 4th and final stage of the race after an elderly spectator unexpectedly drove onto the course in her mobility scooter.
17-year-old rider Paul Vriesman shared footage from the crash which forced him to drop out of the race. The tightness of the peloton meant multiple riders went down, with some seeming more injured than others. Vriesman said he made it through the crash without any major injuries, though he didn’t finish the stage.
It’s not clear what this elderly woman was trying to do, if she was trying to do anything, but this incident does serve as a good reminder to give plenty of room for cyclists if you’re a spectator at a race. The crowds get heavy and the routes can wind up tight, but it’s still up to the fans to keep enough room for the riders to pass. You don’t want to be responsible for knocking out a racer, especially at these junior races.
