Shock at cycling DM: Serious accident injures spectators in Dudenhofen!

Shock at cycling DM: Serious accident injures spectators in Dudenhofen!

Yesterday, July 6, 2025, a serious accident occurred at the German Track Cycling Championships in Dudenhofen, Palatinate. During the Keirin elite race, which is known for its high speed - the participants reach around 60 km/h - a driving error by a cyclist led to a dramatic incident. As a result, two cyclists fell over the barrier into the audience, resulting in a dangerous situation for everyone present.

A total of ten people were injured in this incident, including not only the two cyclists, who suffered abrasions and bruises, but also several spectators. Two injured people had to be transported to hospitals by helicopter, while eight other bystanders were taken to area facilities with various injuries, including abrasions and cuts. daily news reports on the dramatic scenes and the shock that the event caused for many.

Reaction of the organizers

The accident quickly attracted the attention of those responsible. Oliver Streich, Vice President of German Cycling, emphasized the priority of the health of everyone involved and, together with Jens Hartwig, the first chairman of RV Dudenhofen 1908, agreed to cancel the event early. Hartwig expressed his shock at the accident and regretted the abrupt end to the competition, which had certainly attracted numerous spectators and participants.

Safety in cycling has been a recurring topic in recent years, and the incident in Dudenhofen once again raises questions. Especially considering the experiences of professional cyclists like Philippe Gilbert, who has ridden over 1,000 races and only once managed to avoid a crash, the urgency of strengthening safety precautions becomes clear. It is known that fall statistics can reach frightening proportions, especially at major events such as the Tour de France. In the 2021 Tour de France alone, there were over 20 crashes in three weeks, which should raise an alarm for safety in cycling. Cycling racing bike points out that after a serious fall, the UCI has adopted new safety protocols to prevent such accidents in the future.

View on safety in cycling

The discussion about safety runs like a red thread through the history of cycling. There are repeated reports of dangerous conditions and efforts to increase safety for cyclists. In 2020, 426 cyclists were killed in Germany and 90,000 injured people had to be hospitalized in exciting traffic situations. It turns out that, according to studies, preventive measures such as wearing high-visibility vests could lead to a 47 percent reduction in accidents. The 'Safety in Numbers Effect' also shows that a higher number of cyclists with optimal infrastructure ultimately leads to improved safety.

The previous incidents in Dudenhofen and the recurring problems in cycling cast a shadow on the desire for cycling. It remains to be hoped that the accident will encourage those responsible to further improve safety standards in the future. After all, events like the track cycling championships are not only a celebration of sport, but also a platform for promoting cycling culture.