Watch shocking moment cycling star falls 50ft into ravine before climbing out and finishing in top ten
A cyclist fell 50 FEET down into a ravine before climbing out and finishing inside the top 10.
Mattias Skjelmose went over a low brick wall and plummeted down into a woodland area after a rider in front of him made a braking error during stage two of the Volta a Catalunya.
Yet despite the horrendous fall, the 21-year-old Danish rider emerged with his bike above his head just moments later.
And he could be heard telling a member of his team: “I’m OK, I’m OK. Just give me a new bike.”
Perhaps even more incredible than his lack of any serious injuries was his desire to carry on with the race.
Skjelmose, who had already ridden 145 kilometres of the stage, was still 58km from the finish line.
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But he made the decision to get back on his saddle and ride back up to the front group – known as the peloton – with the help of team-mate Antwan Tolhoek.
And he wasn’t satisfied with just that.
Despite all he had gone through on the day, Skjelmose contested the sprint finish after battling through the crosswinds and ended up coming an impressive 10th.
Aussie Kaden Groves claimed the win, but Skjelmose was undoubtedly the story of the day.
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Speaking about the fall after the race, he said: “Me and Antwan (Tolhoek) were in a pretty good position just behind UAE on the downhill.
“Then somebody made a braking mistake and unfortunately I was on the outside. And on my outside there was a cliff where I ended.
“Luckily, I did not hurt myself so bad and I came pretty fast back on the bike and Antwan helped me back to the bunch.”