Watch: Astana team car nearly hits race marshal
Volunteer race marshal forced to take evasive action as team car smashes through a traffic island
A race marshal needed to take leap out of the way on the final stage of the Tour of Yorkshire into Leeds to avoid the Astana team car. The dramatic incident took place at a traffic island where a race marshal was notifying riders of the presence of an obstacle in their path.
Team Astana car crash #TDY2018 #TourDeYorkshire2018 pic.twitter.com/l3ZUr4Ipfz
— Nathan C (@nathlukecurrie) May 6, 2018
According to the Telegraph, Phillip Sullivan was working with race organizers to ensure riders navigate the road furniture safety. The driver of the Astana team car following a small group of riders leading the race missed the warning and ploughed right into the island. Luckily, Sullivan had the quick wit to leap out of the way avoiding serious injury.
Astana have been on a tear recently with Magnus Cort Nielsen Stage 2 win at the Tour of Yorkshire the most recent success. While the riders have been strong in the results sheet, the team was forced to issue an apology after the incident.
“We’re deeply sorry about the incident with our team car,” the team statement read. “The sport director that was driving the car contacted the race organizer directly after the race to send our apologies. We’re trying to get in touch with the marshal as well. We’re sorry and want this to never happen again.”
Too which ever car driver just smashed into the street sign in the #TourDeYorkshire2018 I've got a piece of your car here. The steward you almost killed is fine by the way! pic.twitter.com/vW4uVo6wF6
— Nathan C (@nathlukecurrie) May 6, 2018
A bystander caught the traffic crash on camera and documented the aftermath of the crash with part of the Astana bumper left by the car sight along with the destroyed traffic island signage.
