This footage from the GP de Denain – Porte du Hainaut (UCI 1.HC) on Thursday highlights the dangers posed to racing cyclists by traffic islands and other road furniture.
The footage shows the Belgian rider Bert Van Lerberghe of Topsport Vlaanderen – Baloise colliding with a traffic island and somersaulting over his handlebars. The incident took place just after the riders had passed the 2 km to-go mark.
Despite the dramatic crash, Van Lerberghe escaped without any serious injuries and went on to finish the race, 5’34” down on race winner Dan McLay (Fortuneo – Vital Concept).
Van Lerberghe posted the footage on Twitter with the message: “Not my best day on the bike today … #crashing”
Not my best day on the bike today … #crashing pic.twitter.com/gNYzYfkkEp
— Bert Van Lerberghe (@bert_bvl) April 14, 2016
Could’ve stopped in time if he had discs.
Ban traffic islands!!!