Ironman EM in Hamburg: ARD cuts off broadcast after horror accident Violent protests after verdict against opposition leaders in Senegal

Actually, the Ironman European Championship should be a happy day for Hamburg. A sporting event that many people looked forward to with pleasure. Originally, the highlight of the triathlon should be focused on one thing: the return of Jan Frodeno in the long distance after a long break due to injury. But a tragic incident pushed that into the background: a serious accident with fatal outcome. ARD decided to cancel the live broadcast.

Accident in Hamburg: motorcycle and bicycle collide

After the pros had already started, the age group starters started their 3.8 kilometer swim course in the early morning, followed by a 180 kilometer bike course. Around 8:45 a.m., a devastating collision took place on Gauerterhoofddijk between an amateur athlete and a motorcyclist, the ARD “Sportschau” reports. The motorcycle and bicycle collided head-on.

Ironman: dead and injured on impact

Originally, three serious injuries were reported. Shortly afterwards, however, it was announced that the motorcyclist did not survive the accident. The police operations manager confirmed to the ARD “Sportschau” that the man died at the scene of the accident. The triathlete suffered serious injuries, but according to the current state of affairs, his life was not in danger. The cameraman on the motorcycle suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital together with the participant.

Athletes initially learned nothing about the incident

The race was about to be abandoned immediately after the accident and the following drivers had to stop at the scene of the accident. Since the bike course in Hamburg consists of two laps on the same route, the athletes had to pass the scene of the accident on the second lap, which had not yet been cleared, and push their bikes over the embankment. However, reportedly without knowing what happened there.

After news of the motorcyclist’s death broke, ARD interrupted the live stream. However, the race apparently continued as the Ironman live stream continued. Broadcasting on the Ironman channels also continued. There was no official information or statement from the organizer about the incident until two hours after the accident.