Dozens of athletes suffer mass tire punctures due to metal debris during Ironman Hamburg cycling stage
Kyiv • UNN
Over 100 athletes suffered tire punctures due to metal shavings on the Ironman Hamburg course. Police have launched an investigation, but organizers did not stop the race.
Dozens of participants in the cycling stage of Ironman Hamburg suffered mass tire damage due to metal shavings scattered on the track. Police are investigating the incident, while organizers decided not to stop the competition despite injuries among the athletes. This was reported by Bild, according to UNN.
Details
During the cycling stage of the Ironman European Championship in Hamburg today, dozens of athletes faced tire punctures due to metal debris on the track. According to the local publication Tri-Mag, between 100 and 150 participants were forced to interrupt their race, and some also sustained injuries due to the small metal parts.
Police reported that at least 50 participants complained of flat tires.
"How the metal shavings got there, we do not know,"
Investigators seized metal fragments approximately five millimeters in diameter.
The incident occurred after the start of the race. Organizers discussed a possible suspension of the competition but ultimately decided to continue the Ironman. It is currently unknown whether the debris ended up on the track by accident or if it was a deliberate act of sabotage.