On January 27, 2025, tragedy struck the German track cycling national team when six of its members were involved in a severe accident on the Spanish island of Mallorca. The incident occurred around 10:20 AM during what was meant to be a routine training ride, just 2.7 kilometers from their hotel at Palma. An 89-year-old driver, reportedly distracted, drove straight through the cyclist group, causing serious injuries to some athletes.
The injured athletes included notable names such as Tobias Buck-Gramcko, former U23 European champion, alongside Benjamin Boos, Bruno Kessler, Max-David Briese, Moritz Augenstein, and Louis Gentzik. Reassuringly, German Cycling confirmed there were no life-threatening injuries among the group, stating, “Lebensgefahr besteht bei keinem Athleten.” Medical teams were quick to respond, transporting the injured cyclists to various hospitals throughout Palma for treatment.
Bundestrainer Lucas Schädlich, who was present during the incident, witnessed the horror firsthand. He described the collision, stating the 89-year-old driver did not maintain any distance and slammed directly toward the group. Following the incident, he mentioned, “Das ist schon dramatisch,” reflecting the seriousness of the injuries suffered by the cyclists. Reports indicated multiple fractures had been incurred, likely leading to lengthy recovery times and disruptions to their training schedule.
Initial investigations revealed the elderly driver had not been under the influence of alcohol or drugs, having tested negative shortly after the incident. According to local reports by 'Última Hora,' the driver claimed he didn’t see the cyclists, attributing his actions to distraction.
The cycling team had traveled to Mallorca to prepare for the upcoming European Championships scheduled for February 12-15, 2025, at Heusden-Zolder, Belgium. The island is favored by many cyclists during the winter months for its favorable climate, allowing for optimal training conditions. Historically, Mallorca's roads have been both risqué and popular for athletes on training camps, yet the risks involved are increasingly highlighted by various incidents.
This accident is not isolated; cycling accidents have tragically increased, raising concerns about cyclist safety on roads, especially from motor vehicles. Just last week, Italian cyclist Sara Piffer lost her life similarly when she was struck by a car near Trento, Italy. These events have sparked urgent calls for improved road safety measures for cyclists, echoing past incidents involving well-known figures within the sport, including German professional John Degenkolb, who himself faced significant injuries after being hit during training.
This latest accident has left the cycling community shaken but also resilient as athletes rally around their injured teammates. The progress of those hurt remains uncertain, but hopes persist for their recovery. The German Cycling Federation emphasizes their support for the team, and they are expected to navigate through this crisis rallying together.
With the help of local medical support and the cycling federation's commitment, the athletes are expected to recuperate. They hope to return to competitive racing soon, staying focused on their goals amid this challenging period. The upcoming European Championships loom, serving as both motivation and benchmark for the athletes’ recovery.
While the cyclists confront their injuries and uncertain timelines, the cycling community must now also reflect on safety measures. Cyclists, coaches, and federation officials will need to collectively work toward ensuring safer practice conditions to prevent future accidents from devastating their sport. The haunting reality is, on Mallorca's beautiful yet perilous roads, cycling remains fraught with risk.
For the German cycling team members, the focus will remain on their future. They aim to return to the sport they love, determined to overcome the setbacks faced from this traumatic experience.