The Tour Down Under in Australia concluded under the shadow of kangaroos that jumped onto the course 100 km from the finish on the final stage, causing a crash. Four riders were forced to abandon the race and were taken to the hospital with injuries.
Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Alberto Dainese (Soudal-QuickStep), Lucas Stevenson (Australia), and Menno Huising (Visma-Lease a Bike) sustained various injuries. Overall winner Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) also crashed but was able to continue the race.
"I know what it feels like to lose half a season due to broken bones – it’s never something you want. And when it’s beyond your control, like in this case, it’s especially bad. But at the same time, I am extremely proud of how we handled the situation with a small group of riders," said Vine, who finished more than a minute ahead of Mauro Schmid (Team Jayco AlUla) and Harry Sweeny (EF Education - EasyPost).
🚴 Jay Vine was unfortunate to hit a rogue Kangaroo that was attempting to cross the track during the Tour Down Under!
— Velo (@velovelovelo__) January 26, 2026
Credit: @7sportau/ @sbssportau pic.twitter.com/F22gWbh8s5
Tour Down Under winner Jay Vine was among a bunch of riders who went down when two kangaroos jumped on to the road during the final stage. pic.twitter.com/Io03nzLvvi
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) January 25, 2026
Only in the Tour Down Under: Race leader Jay Vine and a few other of the world's best cyclists have been taken down by a kangaroo after it hopped into the peloton. pic.twitter.com/IbwAdtclhg
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) January 25, 2026