Home

Fans love the Famenne Ardenne Classic for its thrilling racing moments. However, this year’s edition delivered more drama than anyone expected. Arnaud De Lie’s remarkable one-legged victory definitely stole the headlines.

However, an incident with just 4 kilometers to go nearly turned disastrous. Three riders, Dylan van Baarle, Yves Lampaert, and Stan Dewulf, were in a breakaway just ahead of the main peloton. An oblivious motorist made a sudden and dangerous move, nearly colliding with the charging peloton.

A Terrifying Close Call: Cyclists Dodge Disaster

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

As the Famenne Ardenne Classic reached its climax, the peloton was racing at a furious pace. The riders were gunning for victory after a grueling 180 kilometers. At speeds likely exceeding 50 km/h, the peloton was a formidable force approaching the final 4 kilometers.

An unsuspecting motorist, unaware of the approaching peloton, chose this exact moment to pull out onto the road. The video, which later went viral on Twitter, now X, shows the car directly in the path of the charging cyclists.

Also read: 9-Year-Old From New York Gets Rescued After Kidnapping While Cycling

It was a miracle that no one crashed or suffered injuries in what could have been a catastrophic collision. In the heat of the moment, a few understandably furious riders expressed their frustration by tossing water bottles in the direction of the oblivious driver.

Social Media Erupts in Response

The incident at the Famenne Ardenne Classic not only rattled the peloton, but also stirred a wave of reactions on social media. Cyclists and fans alike took to X to voice their astonishment and frustration.

The sarcastic comment, “How dare this cyclist use his roads… He was late for the pub anyway,” reflects the exasperation felt by many who witness such reckless behavior on the road.

Another user’s admission, “This sort of thing was why I gave up marshalling 😢,” sheds light on the challenges faced by race marshals in ensuring the safety of cyclists during races.

Incidents like this also underscore the vital role of race marshals in safeguarding the integrity of cycling events.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Whether in the middle of the race or not, it is essential that drivers exhibit some road awareness. However, this display of pure obliviousness would have almost cost someone’s life. The driver seemed to be on autopilot, and even put his blinkers on, signaling the turn.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In a showdown that could’ve been titled “Cyclists vs. Car,” our peloton, flying at speeds that could rival a jet plane, faced off against an unsuspecting motorist. It was like a scene straight out of an action movie. As the cycling community and fans worldwide take stock of this heart-stopping moment, it stands as a powerful reminder that safety on the road is a shared responsibility. What are your thoughts about this incident? Let us know in the comment section below!

Watch this story: Renowned Cyclist Kidnapped in California, Robbed of Over £500,000