Key Takeaways:
– Six members of the German National track team were injured in the Mallorca training accident.
– The riders were involved in a collision with a motorist during a training session.
– Two noted members of the squad are Benjamin Boos and Bruno Kessler, former World Track Championships bronze medallists.
– The cyclists were preparing for the upcoming European Track Championships in Belgium.
Cycling Mishap in Mallorca
A training outing for the German National track team took a tragic turn. Six cyclists required hospital treatment. This happened when a car collided with their group on a quiet backroad in Mallorca.
Rider Injuries
Preliminary statements by the team state that some of the cyclists suffered critical injuries, including fractures. Despite the severity of the injuries, medics on the scene reassured that none of them were life-threatening. It remains unknown the exact injuries that each rider sustained.
Involved Cyclists
Among those injured, two have been identified as Benjamin Boos and Bruno Kessler. These outstanding athletes were the bronze medallists in last year’s World Track Championships in the team pursuit. Tobias Buck-Gramko, a former Junior World Track Champion, was also injured in the accident. The others affected were Max-David Briese, Moritz Augenstein, and Louis Gentzik.
Accident Details
The crash occurred as the riders were leaving their hotel in Palma, the capital of the island. A local newspaper, Ultima Hora, reported that the incident took place near an industrial estate. As per preliminary reports, an elderly man was said to have failed to notice the cyclists and crashed into them. The bicycles of the cyclists were reportedly destroyed in the collision.
Unpleasant Echoes
Unfortunate incidents involving cyclists and vehicles are not uncommon. This recent incident in Mallorca bears a depressing resemblance to the 2016 mass training accident in Valencia. Back then, six riders from Giant-Alpecin were hit by a car, with several incurring serious injuries. The event also comes on the heels of the tragic death of Italian Continental rider, Sara Piffer. She was reportedly struck by a vehicle during her training session.
Immediate Consequences
The unfortunate incident has undoubtedly impacted the preparation of the riders. They were part of a larger training group preparing for the European Track Championships. The competition is set to take place from February 12-16 in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.
Conclusion
The cycling world has reacted with solidarity, sending goodwill messages to the German National track team. Other cycling teams have also been advised to be extra cautious during their training sessions. While the unfortunate event has led to a cautionary tale in the cycling fraternity, it serves as a reminder for motorists to share the road responsibly with cyclists. Safety is, after all, a collective responsibility.
The recovery journey for the injured cyclists has just begun. Though their injuries are severe but not life-threatening, it is uncertain if they can return to competitive cycling soon. As they embark on this road to recovery, everyone in the cycling world is hoping for their speedy recovery and return to cycles.