16-year-old cyclist crashes through car's rear window during race in Jesseren-Borgloon

A junior cycling race in Jesseren-Borgloon, Belgium, took a dangerous turn on Sunday afternoon when a 16-year-old rider crashed through the rear window of a car. The young cyclist suffered severe injuries, initially losing consciousness before regaining it. He sustained glass cuts to his face and injuries to his shoulder and thigh.

The accident happened because a motorist, driving an inattentive driver, entered the racecourse. Despite a course official signaling her to move, the vehicle did not clear the path quickly enough as the cyclists approached. The incident occurred during the penultimate lap of the race.

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The incident happened in the penultimate round. Rider Samuel D'Evola rode with another rider at the front, when suddenly that car appeared in front of them in Zammelen.

According to national official Pieter Van Schelvergem, the rider, Samuel D'Evola, was in the lead with another cyclist when the car suddenly appeared in front of them. Traveling at speeds of 70 to 80 kilometers per hour on a downhill section of the one-way street, D'Evola was unable to avoid the vehicle and was propelled through its rear window.

The race's dedicated ambulance remained at the scene to provide immediate medical attention to the injured cyclist. Following initial treatment, he was transported to the hospital. As the ambulance was occupied, race organizers made the decision to halt and neutralize the competition.

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In a one-way street, the car had entered the course, but it did not get away quickly enough. The riders were already approaching at that moment. The cyclists were reaching a speed of 70 to 80 kilometers per hour on a descent. D'Evola could no longer avoid the vehicle and flew through the rear window of the car.