Kangaroo Crashes Into Jay Vine in Viral Video Before Cyclist Wins Tour Down Under Race

Jay Vine surely expected to face plenty of challenges as the leader entering Sunday's final stage of the Tour Down Under cycle race.

But even he likely wasn't prepared for what he and other racers were about to encounter.

As the Associated Press noted, two kangaroos emerged on the road of a high-speed section of Sunday's final stage. Vine was among those who were knocked from their bikes as the animals caused chaos with approximately 61 miles remaining in the 105-mile stage.

While Vine got up and changed his bike before rejoining the race, Menno Huising, Lucas Stevenson and Alberto Dainese were forced to quit the competition.

"Everyone asks me what's the most dangerous thing in Australia and I always tell them it's kangaroos," Vine, who is from Australia, said. "They wait and they hide in the bushes until you can't stop and they jump out in front of you. Point proven today."

To Vine's credit, he didn't just get back into the race. He ended up winning and finished one minute and three seconds ahead of Mauro Schmid of Switzerland.

It was quite the way to start a new season, as the Tour Down Under was the first event of the 2026 World Tour.

Vine has now won his home race two times in the last three years, but the latest victory was memorable for more than just his finishing position.