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VIDEO: Horror Crash sees Spectators Hurt at the 2025 Tour Down Under Criterium

A cycling fan has been injured and remains in hospital after a shocking high-speed collision during the Tour Down Under Criterium

VIDEO: Horror Crash sees Spectators Hurt at the 2025 Tour Down Under Criterium

The dramatic crash, appened during the Saturday men's sprint leg of Australia's top cycle race, the Tour Down Under.

Italian rider Andrea Raccagni clipped an inside barrier and slid across the road with other getting caught up in the huge smash. The pack then slammed into spectators who were, until that point, peacefully enjoying the action on a balmy summer evening.

VIDEO: Horror Crash at Tour Down Under Criterium

The vision captured the crowd as they screamed and braced for the crash when they realised the riders were going to hit, before both bikes and bodies were thrown across the road. Several spectators were caught up and thrown to the ground in the terrifying collision. 

A spokesperson for Tour Down Under confirmed a female spectator was seriously injured in the crash and taken to hospital for treatment. It is understood no riders were seriously injured in the collision, "Our thoughts are with the spectator and their family, as well as the riders impacted by the incident." the TDU stated.

VIDEO: Horror Crash at Tour Down Under Criterium

Sam Welsford, the Australian cyclist who won the race, said the crash was chaotic, 'I was pretty close to the barriers, I didn't hear anything … it was such a high-speed corner. I hope everyone is OK."

Cyclists hit speeds of up to 50kilometres per hour on the sharp turn. One woman remains in hospital.

On Sunday morning, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas called it an "awful, freak accident. Tragically last night we did see a significant accident occur at the TDU, where cyclists went into spectators," the premier said, 'It's saddening to report a woman has suffered multiple serious injuries." He added the woman was visiting from NSW with her husband.

New Zealand Olympian Kim Cadzow was involved in a separate minor crash on Sunday during the women's race that resulted in a bloody nose.

In the men's event on Saturday, the lead riders in the one-hour street race rounded the final bend without incident, but four others cannoned into the barricades. One race official said riders had taken the final corner 20km/h quicker, compared to previous laps.

VIDEO: Horror Crash at Tour Down Under Criterium

Italian rider Manilo Moro (Movistar) was the only one of the crashed riders who was unable to finish the race. He needed help from a team staff member as he slowly rode to the finish, looking the worse for wear. It is understood Moro is undergoing more treatment.  

The classic, a one-off race, is a fixture of the Tour Down Under. It lets overseas riders have a hitout at the start of the season before the Tour itself.

Sam Welsford avoided the nasty crash on the final corner of the Adelaide East End Street Circuit to win the Criterium. Welsford won three stages of the Santos Tour Down Under last year. 

Welsford proved the fastest of the bunch and proved his strength by taking the victory, fully capitalizing on his team's excellent work. Matthew Brennan, the young sprint talent of Visma l Lease a Bike, finished nicely third. The German Henri Uhlig of Alpecin-Deceunick came second.

The six-stage Tour, celebrating its 25th anniversary, starts on Tuesday January 25th.

Tour Down Under: Villawood Men's Classic Highlights

2025 Tour Down Under Villawood Men's Classic Criterium Results

01  Welsford Sam Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe 01:04:07
02  Uhlig Henri Alpecin-Deceuninck + 00
03  Brennan Matthew Team Visma | Lease a Bike + 00
04  Scott Cameron ARA Australia Cycling + 00
05  Watson Sam INEOS Grenadiers + 00
06  Teutenberg Tim Torn Lidl-Trek + 00
07  Oliveira Rui UAE Team Emirates XRG + 00
08  Stannard Robert Bahrain Victorious + 00
09  Canal Carlos Movistar Team + 00
10  Walls Matthew Groupama-FDJ + 00