VIDEO: Massive Crash Takes Down Half the Competitors Before Men’s Elimination Race Properly Begins

The UCI Track Champions League rarely fails to disappoint, and this time was no exception, with a big moment before the race began. Generally, the end of the race grabs people’s attention. However, this time, the beginning was equally enthralling. The race was about to begin, with participants ready to dash off. However, just as the riders were about to kick off, a chaotic crash ensued, taking down nearly half the competition.

While a restart was most definitely in order, most of the riders needed medical attention before participating. Immediately, several staff members stormed the track to help the contestants and prepare them for the restart. They attended to wounds and fixed the damage caused by the pile-up.

Crash Before Kickoff

While the UCI Championships generally have big talking points and viral moments, this one was quite unexpected! Fortunately, despite the pile-up being quite intense, all riders were able to participate in the restart. The crash took place right after the bell rang to signal the lap of the first elimination. So, the riders were anxious, trying to avoid being the first to be eliminated from the race.

Eventually, organizers were able to restart the race a little later in the evening. Although British rider Will Tidball did his utmost to emerge victorious, it was Canadian rider Dylan Bibic who took the number one spot over the weekend. Regardless, the crash was still the most shocking moment of the evening. Commentator Rob Hatch was absolutely stunned, exclaiming, “There’s a massive crash. Oh my word,” as riders began to hit the track one after the other.

“We were looking forward to action here but we didn’t exactly mean this,” Hatch said. “Three years of Champions League, luckily we’ve managed to avoid mostly things like this and things as big as this… [it] really puts a dampener on things,” he added while explaining what triggered the pile-up. Other stakeholders also added their comments on the incidents. Let’s take a look at them

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