Two kangaroos caused significant disruption during the final stage of the Tour Down Under on January 21, 2024, when they unexpectedly leaped onto the 170-kilometer course in the Adelaide Hills. This incident occurred approximately 100 kilometers into the stage, resulting in collisions with several riders, including the race leader. Footage captured the moment when one kangaroo crossed the path of the cyclists, leading to a chaotic scene as another kangaroo soon followed.
The bizarre encounter left riders and commentators astonished. One commentator exclaimed, “Oh, it’s a kangaroo! Never seen that before,” while another remarked, “Unfortunately, some hazards you just can’t plan for. Some wildlife you can’t tell to get out of the way.” The crash unfolded during a challenging stage that featured steep climbs and temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), further complicating the situation for the cyclists.
Despite the turmoil, the race continued, though multiple riders had to withdraw due to injuries sustained in the crash. Tragically, one of the kangaroos had to be euthanized due to severe injuries, while the other managed to escape without harm. Race director Stuart O’Grady described the stage as “one of the best” he had seen but acknowledged that the kangaroo incident overshadowed the day’s events.
Among those caught in the crash was Australian cyclist Jay Vine, who managed to avoid serious injuries. Vine, who ultimately retained his lead and secured his second title at the Tour Down Under, shared his thoughts on the encounter. “Everyone asks me what’s the most dangerous thing in Australia, and I always tell them it’s kangaroos,” he stated in an interview with Channel 7. He elaborated on the incident, saying, “One of them stopped, went left, right, left, right, left, right, and I ended up hitting its backside as it was flailing around on the ground.”
Vine quickly remounted after changing his bike and finished the stage in the main group behind fellow competitor Matthew Brennan, who claimed victory in the sprint to the finish line following the grueling climbs. The footage of the kangaroo crash has since gone viral on social media, capturing attention for its surreal nature. Many observers commented that “it cannot get any more Aussie than that.”
In the wake of the incident, some have called for measures to protect wildlife, suggesting a review of race procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The unusual disruption has sparked discussions about the intersection of sport and wildlife, highlighting the unpredictable nature of outdoor events in Australia.
