A CYCLIST was run over by a rival after they were hit by a team car during a race in France.
Amandine Muller was knocked over during a women’s under-19 race at the Cycling of the Future Championships on Sunday.
The Grand Est rider was hit by an Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes team car.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes rider Celia Gery then ran her over before being forced off her bike too.
Gery had been cycling alongside the team car and talking to team director Julien Guiborel prior to the crash.
Guiborel had not seen Muller move slightly to the right in front of him before clipping her rear wheel.
Muller and Gery were leading the race by three minutes ahead of the peloton with 31km to go at the time of the incident.
France 3 Alsace cameras caught the crash live, with footage showing a commentator gasping as the riders collided.
Guiborel could then be seen rushing over to check on Muller after she fell to the floor.
Fortunately, both riders were able to continue, with Gery winning ahead of Miller in second.
The runner-up finished three minutes and 42 seconds behind her rival.
Speaking afterwards, Gery explained: “It was more of a scare than harm, and we were able to continue racing quickly.
“I wasn’t thinking much as I crossed the line… It’s unfortunate that this happened between us.”
Meanwhile, former professional cyclist Guiborel said: “Personally, it takes away from the joy of the victory.
“I would have felt even worse if Amandine hadn’t finished second. I can’t apologise enough to both of them.”