Uncontrollable Agony, Loud Cries, and Pandemonium - Bicycle Competition Concludes in Havoc - Cycling incident leads to commotion, agony, and disarray
In a tragic turn of events, the third stage of the "Riderman" bike race, held in the picturesque Schwarzwald-Baar district near Bad Dürrheim from September 5–7, 2025, ended in a mass crash.
The incident occurred 200 meters behind the leading group in the race, causing a chain reaction that sent several riders catapulting into the field. According to police reports, the crash was due to too many riders squeezing onto the narrow road at the same time during a left turn, leading to a domino effect.
Witnesses, such as Simon Leicht, a participant in the race, shared their harrowing experiences with the "Badische Zeitung." Leicht managed to swerve away from the crash but was met with the sight of dozens of riders lying tangled on the road. Many of the riders were screaming in pain, and some were already bleeding after the crash.
The crash caused a backup in the field, leading to further crashes nearby. The incident was so severe that the bike race had to be abandoned.
Magnus Mannner, a triathlete who was riding in the leading group, believes a small swerve or a bump in the road could have triggered the chain reaction. Another participant, Alex Faerber, speculates that a lack of experience in riding in a large field could have contributed to the crash.
Organiser Rik Sauser, responsible for safety measures during the event, showed a professional rescue operation following the mass crash. The public prosecutor's office in Konstanz is currently investigating the crashes at the "Riderman" race to determine how they occurred. The investigations will also check whether a charge of bodily harm can be raised.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in such competitive events and the importance of safety measures. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.
