‘Lucky’ jumper-collecting fan avoids collision with sprinters by seconds at Tour of Poland
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Updated 04/08/2025 at 17:32 GMT+1
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Disaster was narrowly avoided at Stage 1 of the Tour of Poland on Monday when a spectator chose a terrible moment to collect a fallen jumper. The fan was caught on camera as he leapt the advertising hoardings to pick it up moments before the sprinters arrived on the final straight. An accident was avoided by seconds as the fan was described as "lucky".
Watch: Bizarre scene as fan jumps barrier to recover jumper as riders sprint to line
Video credit: TNT Sports
One spectator at the Tour of Poland had a hair-raising experience after choosing an ill-judged moment to rescue a dropped jumper.
Hundreds of fans lined the final straight in Legnica to watch a dramatic bunch sprint climax to Stage 1 on Monday.
However, just as the sprinters rounded the final corner to accelerate to the finish line, an individual leapfrogged the advertising boards onto the road.
The spectator had seemingly dropped a jumper, which was scooped up off the ground as the riders approached.
Seeing the sprinters closing in, the spectator climbed back over the railings to safety – a matter of seconds before the riders flew past at high speed.
"[That spectator] got lucky with his jumper," said the commentator.
"Got out of the way in time. Only just though – my goodness me."
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‘Fantastic sprint’ – Kooij times late charge to perfection to take Stage 1 after crash
Video credit: TNT Sports
The hair-raising moment occurred just before Olav Kooij of Visma-Lease a Bike saw off his rivals to claim the opening stage of the race.
Kooij moved in front with 200 metres to go to hold off Paul Magnier (Soudal Quick-Step) and Jensen Plowright (Alpecin-Deceuninck), who completed the podium.
There was a chaotic end to the 199.7km run from Wroclaw to Legnica, with a crash with 1.8km to go impacting several lead-out trains.
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Dutchman Kooij celebrated his sixth win of the season to take the race leader’s jersey ahead of Stage 2 on Tuesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Stage 2 starts and finishes in Karpacz, with a 149.4km route featuring four category 2 climbs before an uphill finish on a day for the GC riders.
Watch and stream the 2025 cycling season on TNT Sports and discovery+
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