'Horrific consequences': Aussie star almost hit by car in Tour of Britain

Australian cyclist Maeve Plouffe has spoken out about a "scary" near-miss with a car during the Tour of Britain, urging organizers to review safety procedures in a sport still mourning a recent tragedy.

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Later on, the moto escort was wonderful, and I felt much safer.

Plouffe, a former track star who won Commonwealth team pursuit gold in 2022, had to withdraw from the race after a puncture. While attempting to rejoin the peloton, she encountered public vehicles, with one car nearly colliding with her on a roundabout. "Later on, the moto escort was wonderful, and I felt much safer," she stated, but added, "it's scary to see situations like this, when we know that this can have horrific consequences."

Her experience comes just days after British rider Finlay Tarling, 19, died during the Volta a Portugal when he was struck by a vehicle that entered the race course. The cycling community is still reeling from this loss, with Tarling's brother, Josh Tarling, set to compete in the upcoming Vuelta a España in his sibling's honor.

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it's scary to see situations like this, when we know that this can have horrific consequences, especially so soon after suffering such a tragedy.

Organizers of the Tour of Britain have acknowledged Plouffe's concerns. Jonathan Day, events director for British Cycling Ventures, stated, "Rider safety is paramount and will always be treated as a priority in our planning and how we operate any race." He confirmed they are reviewing the incident with Plouffe's team and emphasized the seriousness and empathy with which they are treating the comments, especially given the recent loss in the sport.

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Rider safety is paramount and will always be treated as a priority in our planning and how we operate any race.