Track rider runs across line Froome-style after crash to qualify
Nikita Kiriltsev delivered one of the most bizarre and memorable moments of the weekend at the UCI Track World Cup in Hong Kong, sprinting across the finish line on foot after a heavy crash to keep his race alive.
The race was thrown into chaos when a heavy crash wiped out almost the entire field, leaving France’s Tom Derache as the only rider still upright to take the win. With one qualifying spot still up for grabs, the focus shifted to who could get going again the quickest.
Nikita Kiriltsev made the decisive call. Rather than getting back on his bike, he picked it up and ran almost 200 metres to the line, securing second place in a surreal finish.
The moment sparked comparisons with Chris Froome’s famous run at the 2016 Tour de France, but here it directly determined who advanced. The rules allow riders to cross the line on foot as long as they bring their bike, something Kiriltsev used to his advantage.
He dropped to the track moments after finishing, completely spent, but his effort paid off. Kiriltsev later ended the event eighth overall, with Harrie Lavreysen taking the win.
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