Brutal moment a triathlete hits her own teammate face-first against a barrier – but the dejected cyclist shocks fans with her very surprising reaction
- Nicole van der Kaay eliminated by her teammate
- The triathlete escapes without serious injuries
- Was cleared of a concussion and
New Zealand triathlete Nicole van der Kaay was lucky to recover from a shocking cycling accident caused by her teammate during the Super League Triathlon in Toulouse on Sunday.
The Kiwi Olympian was sent flying off her bike when her teammate, Italian rider Alice Betto, veered into her path and forced her over a barrier.
Fortunately, Van der Kaay was not seriously injured in the incident and even attempted to continue racing, but issues with her bike caused her to drop out of the race.
She took to social media after the race to update her fans and loved ones on the jaw-dropping crash.
“My race ended early, but no fracture, only heart,” she wrote.
Nicole van der Kaay was lucky to avoid a serious injury when she was thrown into the barriers during the race in Toulouse, France.
The Kiwi (pictured) was very lenient with her teammate after the accident – but fans refused to let Alice Betto off the hook
“This video does not show everything. It was an accident, unfortunately accidents happen during races.
“We are getting up, licking our wounds and preparing for the next race. Mistakes happen, be nice.
Fans weren’t so forgiving of Van der Kaay’s teammate, insisting the Italian rider deliberately forced her over the barrier.
“How is this not intentional?” wrote one user.
“No, Nicole, it was definitely a deliberate act to toe your line!” This cyclist should have been disqualified for causing this accident… if you look closely, he changed direction to block your way!’ said another.
“This is 100% intentional, f**k the cuteness lmfao,” said another.
Van der Kaay was cleared of a post-race concussion and insisted the accident was just an unfortunate accident.
Van der Kaay later posted on Instagram that she was cleared of a concussion and her front teeth were undamaged. She was also alongside her teammate Betto.
“Hi all, in the comments it was an accident, which unfortunately happens in racing,” she wrote.
‘Alice has apologized and is deeply sorry. I’m fine too, no broken bones!’
British triathlete Kate Waugh won the race, with Frenchwoman Leonie Periault coming second and Betto sixth.
