The image of Giorgia Bronzini crossing the finish line triumphantly after winning a bunch sprint looks like any other. Hands in the air, a look of utter delight on the Wiggle Honda rider’s face. That is until you look beyond Bronzini where another rider is lying on the ground in visible pain.
Australian cyclist Loren Rowney was sent flying over the handlebars after a spectator grabbed her bike as she sprinted toward the finish line Molecaten Drentse 8 event,
The 26-year-old who rides for Velocio SRAM was just metres from the finish line of the 138.2km race and neck in neck with Bronzini as they sprinted for the finish line when the incident occurred.
“I thought at first that maybe it was my fault,” said Bronzini to the Sydney Herald after the event. “But I’ve already seen the footage and it looks like a spectator grips her wheel. Very strange.”
Bronzini also took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the incident:
Thanks to my mate and staff that trust in me today!sorry for @LorenRowney unfair crash!#wigglehonda
— Giorgia Bronzini (@GiorgiaBronzini) March 12, 2015
Watch the video footage above to see how a spectator grabs Rowney on her approach to the finish line. Rowney lay on the ground for several seconds in visible pain before crawling over the finish line to be treated by medical professionals. It has been confirmed that Rowney who ended up finishing seventh has a broken collar bone, but took to Twitter last night to ensure her well-wishers she was hanging in there. We wish you a speedy recovery Loren!
Thank you 4 the well wishes everybody. I'll try and get back to you all…it's hard with 1 arm! on my way to Hamburg for treatment.
— Loren rowney (@LorenRowney) March 12, 2015