Multi-Rider Accident Stops German Triathlon
A terrible accident during the Löwentriathlon in German required 3 medical helicopters and forced the race organizers to immediately stop the race, reported ww-kurier.de, and the Kurier sites has several stunning sad images from the event.
Triathletes who were part of the team sprint competition collided during the 20km bike segment on a straight road and subsequently crashed into the oncoming traffic lane where they were then struck by a race motorbike that carried an official. Three medical helicopters and several ambulances rushed to the scene and took the injured to hospitals. The Kurier newspaper reported that three triathletes collided and then were struck by a motorbike, but the home page of the Löwentriathlon stated that it was two triathletes, one motorcycle rider and one race official who were involved in the accident. According to the race organizer's website, as of this writing, two of the injured are in severe condition but the injuries are not life threatening.
The Team Sprint at the Löwentriathlon was open to Rheinland Pfalz league teams, female teams, masters teams and hobby teams consisting of friends and coworkers. The team's time is set when the 4th rider out of 5 starters crosses the finish line. In other categories with 4 team starters the clock stops when the 3rd athlete crosses the finish.
According to the race website it appears that it was one of the league teams that was involved, such teams typically among the more experienced at riding in close formation.
There were also individual athletes at the start and relays, and their race was also aborted. The website for the race is loewentriathlon.de
We will update this story as we learn more.
