Catastrophic Accident at Riderman Cycling Competition: Approximately 70 Individuals Report Injuries
In a shocking turn of events, the annual "Riderman" cycling race in Bad Dürrheim, Baden-Württemberg, was disrupted by a mass crash on Sunday. The incident, which occurred on the K5705 stretch between Bad Dürrheim and Biesingen, involved approximately 70 participants.
The accident took place under the A864 highway bridge, with the initial crash causing a domino effect, leading to a pile-up of riders near the first crash site. Witnesses described the riders falling like dominoes, a sight that was both chaotic and distressing.
Subsequently, a total of up to 20 participants were seriously injured, and another approximately 35 racers sustained minor injuries. Emergency services responded swiftly, with numerous ambulances on the scene, as well as four helicopters dispatched as part of the major rescue operation. At least 25 with minor injuries were treated at the scene and taken to hospitals.
The organiser of the "Riderman" event, the official Riderman event management associated with the city of Bad Dürrheim, acknowledged that while precautions are taken, risk is inherent in cycling. In light of the accidents, they cancelled all remaining races for the day.
The "Rideman" is an annual amateur cycling race in southern Germany, popular with hundreds of participants. This year marked its 25th edition, with 1,079 riders participating. The accident of this scale is a first in the history of the "Riderman" event.
Following the incident, the police reported no external interference in the race. The event organiser expressed their deepest sympathies to those affected and assured the public that they are working closely with the authorities to investigate the cause of the crash.
The organiser also announced that they will review safety measures and precautions for future events to ensure the safety of all participants. The "Riderman" event, known for its camaraderie and sporting spirit, will undoubtedly strive to regain its normalcy as soon as possible.
