Professional cyclist Xandro Meurisse of team Pinarello-Q36.5 narrowly escaped serious injury during the Tour de France after being struck from behind by a car while riding between the time trial finish and start lines. Despite sustaining multiple abrasions, Meurisse continued the race, later reporting that the driver sent an Instagram message blaming him for the collision.
The Incident: A Training Ride Gone Wrong
The collision occurred while Meurisse was navigating between the finish and start locations of the Tour de France time trial. According to the cyclist, he was riding on the right side of the road near a lake, adhering to standard safety practices and remaining aware of surrounding traffic. Meurisse stated that he observed two cyclists ahead of him and an approaching vehicle in his rearview view.
“I waited for the car to pass me, but I didn’t have the chance to pass the two cyclists,” Meurisse explained. The vehicle ultimately struck his rear wheel. The impact left clear physical evidence on the car, including a tire track and traces of sealant from his punctured tire.
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Post-Collision Disputes and Driver Behavior
The aftermath of the accident prompted a confrontation, though not the kind typically associated with traffic safety protocols. Meurisse reported that the individuals in the vehicle appeared to treat the situation with levity. “They both thought it was quite funny when they stood there,” Meurisse said.
The situation escalated when the driver contacted the cyclist via social media. “The driver sent me a message on Instagram saying it was my own fault,” Meurisse noted. He described the driver’s decision to reach out and shift blame as an act of audacity, stating, “That shows you who those people are.”
Recovery and Racing Through Injury
Despite the collision, Meurisse confirmed he was able to return to the race the following day. His injuries included abrasions across his back, buttocks, elbows, and knees. He noted that while he was “mostly a bit shocked,” he had never experienced a collision from behind in his career, which he described as a jarring experience because the victim has no opportunity to react or avoid the impact.
“Ultimately, I’m happy to be here,” Meurisse said. “We got away with it with abrasions and some extra work for the physiotherapist and the mechanics.”
Pro Tips: Cycling Safety on Open Roads
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Xandro Meurisse withdraw from the Tour de France?
No, Meurisse continued the race the day after the incident, despite suffering from several abrasions.
Was the collision intentional?
Meurisse stated he is uncertain if the collision was deliberate, though he characterized the conduct of the driver and their passengers as highly unusual.
What was the extent of the damage to the bike?
The impact caused a tire puncture and left visible marks on the vehicle, requiring attention from his team’s mechanics.
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