When nature intersects with sport, extraordinary moments are born
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In a recent Twitter video, a horse is seen joining a bike race, galloping through the peloton and leaving the cyclists in awe. The video, which has gone viral, has sparked a conversation about the unexpected and often humorous moments that can happen in sports.
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Initially, the video gained popularity as it mentioned that a horse joined a bike race in Tour De France but thanks to Twitter or X’s Community Added Notes Feature we came to know that it was an old video from the peloton of the Critérium International incident which took place in 1997.
The video, with over 10 Million views, has sparked a conversation about the unexpected and often humorous moments that can happen in sports.
The 1997 Critérium International
One of the most iconic horse encounters in bike racing occurred in 1997 at the Critérium International, a three-stage race in southern France. During the first stage, a horse escaped from its paddock and galloped onto the course, it can be seen in other videos. The horse, later named Zlatana, quickly took the lead of the race and held it for nearly a kilometer before sliding out on a gravel bend.
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Other Farm Animal Encounters
Over the years, there have been several other incidents of farm animals joining bike races. In 2011, Spanish cyclist Mikel Landa crashed into a cow on the course of the Critérium du Dauphiné, breaking his collarbone. In 2017, a pony ran through the peloton during stage six of the Tour of Poland. And in 2023, a horse led the way in the women’s race at Strade Bianche before sliding out on a gravel bend.
The Impact of Farm Animal Encounters
These unexpected encounters can be dangerous for both cyclists and animals, but they also provide a touch of humor and unpredictability to the sport. They remind us that even in the midst of fierce competition, there’s room for the unexpected.
Farm animal encounters in bike races are rare, but they leave a lasting impression on the cycling world. These moments capture the unique intersection of nature and sport, and they continue to fascinate fans and athletes alike.
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