It has emerged that Mike Noodt‘s race-ending bike crash when leading IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea came after he crashed into an ambulance.
The German had opened up a lead of over four minutes with just 10km remaining in what was the latest race in the high-profile IRONMAN Pro Series.
That had put him in prime position for the win – but then disaster struck.
Undergoing medical examinations
The incident wasn’t caught on camera as part of the live broadcast, but Noodt was shown on his feet but battered and bruised while his bike was lying on the roadside, minus the aero bars.
But an update on Noodt’s Instagram page around an hour later, alongside a picture of him sitting inside an ambulance, read: “He’s okay.”
It continued with a post-race update: “During a steep downhill section of the bike part of the race, Mika suddenly noticed an ambulance on the race course right in front of him in his lane.
“Mika was able to avoid a head-on collision in the last second and crashed into the side of the ambulance.
“He was able to speak and walk after the accident and is currently undergoing medical examinations.”
‘Bittersweet’ win
The devastating conclusion to Noodt’s race meant the four riders who were four minutes behind him ended up battling for the win.
And it was Briton Harry Palmer who took the title for the third year in succession.
Afterwards in his finish line interview he said the victory was “bittersweet” because of Noodt’s crash and added: “I hope he is okay.”
We have asked IRONMAN for their perspective on the incident.
