Shocking moment triathlete shunts OWN TEAM-MATE off her bike and into barriers… and fans aren’t buying her excuse
THIS is the shocking moment a triathlete was shunted off her bike by her own teammate.
The dramatic scenes occurred in Toulouse on Sunday at the Super League Triathlon.
New Zealand Olympian Nicole van der Kaay was charging along during the cycling stretch when Scorpians teammate Alice Betto pulled up next to her.
Many expected the duo to work together as Van der Kaay made a move on the inside.
However, Italian athlete Betto decided at that exact time to close the gap.
It forced Van der Kaay to smash into the barriers separating the crowd from the track.
And there were loud gasps of astonishment as the Kiwi ace flew off her bike before taking a hard landing on the floor.
Van der Kaay has since forgiven Betto, claiming it was a simple mistake.
She said: “My race ended early, but no broken bones, only heart.
“The video does not show it all. This was an accident, unfortunately crashes happen in races.
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“We pick ourselves up, lick our wounds and prepare for the next race. Mistakes happen, be kind.”
But fans were in a less forgiving mood, with one saying: “How is that not intentional?”
Another declared: “This is 100 per cent intentional, f**k the kindness.”
One noted: “This was definitely a deliberate act to take your line, this cyclist should’ve been disqualified.”
Another added: “Maybe she’ll feel differently when she sees the video!”
However, Van der Kaay doubled down on accepting Betto’s apology.
She added: “Hey everyone in the comments this was an accident, which unfortunately happens in racing.
“Alice apologised and is deeply sorry. I’m fine also, no broken bones!”