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3 months ago
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Aussie cyclist Chris Harper has somehow managed to avoid serious injury in a dramatic high-speed crash during the Tour of the Alps that saw him left motionless after slamming headfirst into a lamppost.
Harper was later able to downplay the accident, which happened when he came off his bike while attacking on a descent.
The 29-year-old seemed to get into trouble when he rode over uneven pavement, falling hard onto his right side before the shocking impact with the post.
He was forced out of the race, but was seen soon afterwards sitting up and talking to team staff and doctors.
ATENCIÓN: "Espeluznante caída de Chris Harper en el Tour de los Alpes, el casco le salvó la vida" Chris Harper perdia el control de su bicicleta al descender por una curva con un firme bacheado, "impactando fuertemente con la cabeza en una farola".😱😥😞 https://t.co/kDGORbm4SF pic.twitter.com/XaPWbAeryf
— ⚡MazaCiclismo⚡ (@RuedaPedal) April 18, 2024Chris Harper (pictured) was involved in a terrifying high-speed crash during the Tour of the Alps - but luckily managed to avoid serious injury
Harper's team later confirmed their rider suffered a minor concussion.
'Thankfully scans and X-rays showed no fractures,' a team statement read.
'Chris has suffered superficial wounds and a mild concussion. The Australian will now rest and recover, and follow the team's concussion protocol.'
The cyclist posted his own note to fans afterwards, making light of the dramatic crash.
'Not the greatest way to finish up the first part of the season,' he posted to Instagram.
'Time to hit the reset button and get ready for the next goals and hopefully some warmer weather.
'Thanks again to everyone for the nice messages after my little tumble on stage 4. Onto the next one.'
Amazingly, fellow Aussie rider Ben O'Connor also crashed at the same spot shortly afterwards, but was able to continue racing with cuts on his hand and face.
The Aussie cyclist later made light of his 'little tumble' during the race
Harper's team confirmed that he sustained a concussion from the accident
'The road looks the same, you couldn't see the kerb. It is the same colour and I just took it. It wasn't until I got to the barrier that I was like 'f**k' and jumped,' O'Connor said afterwards
'I'm fine after the crash. I just made an error in this fast descent, I really didn't see the end of the corner,' O'Connor said later on social media.
'It's a bit annoying but in the end I was still third today and took some more seconds in the general classification. I can be pleased with how it went, the legs were really good all day, just in the end after the crash my body was a bit shaken, but I'm OK. Tomorrow it's all in, I guess.'
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