Brutal moment triathlete slams her own teammate face-first into a barrier – but the downed cyclist shocks fans with her very surprising reaction
Brutal moment where triathlete slams her own teammate face-first into a barrier, but the downed cyclist shocks fans with her very surprising reaction
- Nicole van der Kaay eliminated by teammate
- Triathlete walked away without serious injuries
- Was acquitted of concussion and
New Zealand triathlete Nicole van der Kaay was lucky enough to walk away from a shocking cycling accident caused by her teammate during the Super League Triathlon in Toulouse on Sunday.
The Kiwi Olympian was sent off her bike when her teammate, Italian rider Alice Betto, crossed her path and forced her into a barrier.
Fortunately, Van der Kaay was not seriously injured in the incident and even tried to keep competing – but problems with her bike took her out of the race.
She took to social media after the race to update fans and loved ones about the heartbreaking crash.
“My race ended early, but no broken bones, just a heart,” she wrote.
Nicole van der Kaay was lucky to avoid serious injury when shunted into the barriers during the race in Toulouse, France
The Kiwi (pictured) was very forgiving towards her teammate after the crash, but fans refused to let Alice Betto off the hook
This video doesn’t show everything. This was an accident, unfortunately crashes happen during races.
“We get together, lick our wounds and get ready for the next race. Mistakes happen, be nice.’
Fans were less than forgiving of Van der Kaay’s teammate, insisting the Italian rider deliberately forced her against the barrier.
“Why isn’t that supposed to be?” wrote one user.
‘No, Nicole, this was definitely a deliberate act to adopt your line! This cyclist should have been disqualified for causing this accident… if you look closely, they changed direction to block your way!’ said another.
“This is 100% intentional, f**k the kindness lmfao,” said another.
Van der Kaay was cleared of concussion after the race and insisted the crash was just an unfortunate accident
Van der Kaay later posted on Instagram that she was concussion-free and that her front teeth were undamaged. She also stood next to her teammate Betto.
“Hey all in the comments, this was an accident, which unfortunately happens in racing,” she wrote.
Alice apologized and is very sorry. I’m fine too, no broken bones!’
British triathlete Kate Waugh won the race, with France’s Leonie Periault second and Betto sixth.