6 German track team riders hospitalized after motorist hits them
The German endurance team was training in Mallorca when a motorist collided with the group
Photo by:
Sirotti
Six members of the German track cycling team were injured in a serious accident on Mallorca during a training camp early Monday. The collision occurred at 10:20 a.m. on a road that runs parallel to the industrial area near the island’s airport. According to local police, an 89-year-old man was driving and hit the seven-person cycling group from behind according to Eurosport.
Serious injuries including fractures
The riders all sustained injuries, some of which are severe, including multiple fractures. The injuries will require extended recovery periods, potentially sidelining the riders for months. The European track championships, scheduled for February 12-15 in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, was an upcoming goal for the team, according to a statement from German Cycling.
La routine II. Comme chaque année une équipe entière en camp d'entraînement fauchée par une voiture, sept coureurs hospitalisés, les vélos broyés. pic.twitter.com/TqU6LJ5F6U
— 🅰ntoine VAYER 📸🖋️ (@festinaboy) January 28, 2025
Despite the severity of the crash, none of the cyclists are in life-threatening danger. The athletes who were hurt are Benjamin Boos, Tobias Buck-Gramcko, Bruno Kessler, Max Briese, Moritz Augenstein, and Louis Gentzik. All are currently receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Driver was headed in same direction
The driver of the car was reportedly heading north, travelling in the same direction as the cyclists, when the collision happened. The vehicle reportedly struck the cyclists without any sign of braking. Local police confirmed that the driver underwent an alcohol test, which came back negative. Investigators are still looking into the details of how the crash occurred. According to German Cycling, the driver did not see the group of seven riders.
National coach Lucas Schädlich, who was driving the team’s support vehicle, was an eyewitness to the crash, which took place shortly after the training ride began, around 2.7 km from the team’s hotel.
The German Cycling Federation expressed relief that no one’s life is at risk, but that the injured athletes face months of recovery. The statement said that the team’s plans for upcoming races is unknown and will depend on their rehabilitation.