'Brutal' moment three cyclists collide at top speed in terrifying crash at Olympic velodrome
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: BBC Sports
The velodrome action at the 2024 Paris Olympics this week has provided a lot of action, but it has also given some scary moments too.
One of the more horrifying and 'brutal' incidents came on Thursday (8 August) after a high-speed collision saw three cyclists collide and fall to the decks.
The women's keirin event is a hotly contested one, with the stakes in France higher than ever.
However, spectators watching from the velodrome itself and the many millions watching across the world were left shocked by a 40mph collision involving three separate riders.
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Only six cyclists took part in this race, so half of the field was wiped out by the high-speed crash.
The domino effect crash began as Netherlands rider Steffie van der Peet came off her bike, with the machine hitting those in the close vicinity.
The Dutch Olympian catapulted into the back wheel of China’s Yuan Liying, who ultimately fell sideways and off the velodrome track.
While pieces of Liying's bike went flying into the air, Belgium’s Nicky Degrendele was clipped and tumbled to the floor.
Medics rushed onto the velodrome following the incident, but thankfully all three riders did not sustain serious injuries.
Track cycling can be BRUTAL 🤕
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 8, 2024
Thankfully all the riders were OK and the track was fixed.#BBCOlympics #Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/OQSkm4B4Y8
While the Olympians gingery walked off following the horrific crash, velodrome staff got to work to repair the course as it had become a site of mass destruction.
The race had actually already finished at the time of the crash, perhaps making it even more surprising for viewers.
After witnessing the horrifying collision, many Olympic viewers flocked to Twitter.
"Wow, glad nobody got hurt," one person penned while a second added: "So glad everyone is OK."
Team Belgium star Degrendele took to Instagram following the crash, penning: "Olympics 2024... Came here prepared and in one of the best forms I’ve ever been in.
"Started off Keirin strong with a win in the first round to advance to quarters and semis. Got wiped out in that same 1/4 finals just after crossing the finish line.
"Not mad but sad that that was the end of my racing for Paris 2024. Couldn’t give my all after crashing and ended my first Olympics with an 11th spot in Keirin."
"Super proud of the entire squad but mainly @fabiovdb winning a bronze medal in his omnium. 2 race days to go, off to supporting the crew for next 2 days. I’ll be back."