Tour de France rider crashes into the back of support vehicle that slammed on the brakes
During the Tour de France, Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio experienced an unusual collision during Friday's Stage 19 whilst ascending Alpe d'Huez. Riding directly behind a team support vehicle, Rubio struck the rear of the vehicle after it braked suddenly.
The incident highlights the risks of a common drafting technique where cyclists ride in the slipstream of support vehicles to reduce wind resistance during demanding mountain stages. The unexpected braking created a hazardous situation that observers described as one of cycling's more unusual accidents.
- Colombian cyclist Einer Rubio collided with a team support vehicle during Stage 19 of the Tour de France at Alpe d'Huez
- The vehicle braked unexpectedly whilst Rubio was riding behind it to reduce wind resistance
- Rare mishap underscores hazards of drafting tactics during challenging mountain stages