[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] An elderly woman on an electric mobility scooter entered the cycling course, causing a chain collision that left several riders crashing.
According to foreign media outlets including the New York Post, more than 100 riders taking part in the international junior road cycling race, the LVM Saarland Trofeo, in Saarland, Germany, on the 14th local time suddenly encountered an unexpected obstacle while racing along a rural road section.
Video from the scene shows an elderly woman in the spectator area slowly riding her mobility scooter onto the road.
Several riders in the lead managed to swerve away at the last moment, but one rider behind them collided with the scooter and was thrown into the air. More riders then fell one after another, leaving at least five people on the road.
Paul Brissman, a rider from the Netherlands who was caught up in the accident, said on social media, "It looked like a very serious crash, but I was able to get through it without major injuries." He added, "I am speechless at how this could happen," and said, "We had prepared hard for this race, and it all came to nothing."
Local media reported that the riders who fell in the crash received hospital treatment, but fortunately none were seriously injured.
The person who shared the video pointed out, "At this speed, even one step onto the road can lead to serious consequences."
Meanwhile, Norway's Sindre Orholm Rønset won the race, while the Netherlands' Splinter van 't Hoff and Germany's Elias Vandel finished second and third, respectively.
Reporter Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
