Motorcyclist killed during Ironman European Champs
The race vehicle collided with a cyclist during the bike leg of the long-distance race in Hamburg
A motorcyclist has died after crashing into a cyclist who was competing at the Ironman European Championship in Hamburg, Germany, on Sunday 4 June.
The unnamed man, 70, was driving a credentialed motorbike and carrying an official race photographer when the incident occurred.
The driver of the bike was pronounced dead at the scene, while the athlete, 26, was “seriously injured” and remains in hospital. The photographer suffered shock but was released from hospital the same day.
None of the people involved have yet been named.
Police blocked the road at the scene of the accident and athletes had to dismount as the race was briefly diverted.
In a statement released the same day, Ironman said:
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirmed the passing of a motorcycle operator during the Ironman European Championship Hamburg.
“At 36km of the Ironman Hamburg bike course, a credentialled motorcycle race vehicle collided with an age-group athlete who was riding on the racecourse in the opposite oncoming lane.
“An event photographer on the motorcycle, who was also injured during the collision, has since been released from hospital. The race participant remains in hospital for further treatment.
“We are devastated by this tragic accident. On a day meant to be a celebration of the human spirit, we instead mourn the loss of a member of our triathlon community. Our sympathies are with all those affected. Our priority always is ensuring the safety of our participants and those involved in the event.
“A police investigation is ongoing, and we are cooperating with local authorities to understand the events that lead [sic] to the accident.”
Top image credit: Alexander Koerner/Getty Images for Ironman
Liz Barrett
Freelance sports journalist, copyriter and editor 
