A pair of kangaroos caused significant disruption during the final stage of the Tour Down Under on January 21, 2024, when they unexpectedly jumped onto the course, colliding with several cyclists in the Adelaide Hills. The incident unfolded approximately 100 kilometers into the 170-kilometer race, leading to a surreal scene that left both competitors and commentators startled.
Footage from the event captures the moment a kangaroo darted into the path of the race leader, resulting in a crash that involved multiple riders. Almost immediately after, a second kangaroo appeared, compounding the chaos. Cyclists described the experience as surreal, with some noting that the animals seemed to “throw themselves in front of the peloton.” Live commentary reflected the unexpected nature of the incident, with one commentator exclaiming, “Oh, it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before.”
The crash occurred during the Tour’s longest stage, which featured challenging climbs, eight laps around the Adelaide Hills, and temperatures soaring above 100°F. Despite the disruption, the race continued, although several riders had to withdraw due to injuries sustained during the collision. Tragically, one kangaroo had to be euthanized due to its injuries, while the other managed to escape unharmed.
Race director Stuart O’Grady acknowledged the unusual circumstances, calling the stage “one of the best” he had seen, but conceded that the kangaroo incident overshadowed the competition. Cyclist Jay Vine, who was among those caught in the crash, sustained only minor injuries and retained his lead to secure a second title at the Tour Down Under.
Vine recounted his experience, stating, “Everyone asks me what’s the most dangerous thing in Australia, and I always tell them it’s kangaroos. They wait and they hide in the bushes until you can’t stop, and they jump out in front of you. Point proven today, two of them blasted through the peloton as we were doing probably 50 km/h.” He described how one kangaroo evaded his attempts to steer clear, leading to a collision with its backside.
Despite the chaos, Vine quickly remounted his bike and resumed racing after a change of equipment. He finished safely in the main group, behind British cyclist Matthew Brennan, who clinched victory in a sprint to the finish line after an arduous climbing stage.
The bizarre incident has since gone viral on social media, with many users remarking that it “cannot get any more Aussie than that.” Some observers have even called for a ban on racing bikes in areas frequented by wildlife to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The unexpected appearance of the kangaroos during a prestigious cycling event has raised discussions about wildlife interactions in sports, highlighting the unpredictable nature of outdoor competitions in regions inhabited by diverse animal species.