True off-road experience...
Charging antelope gives mountain biker a true off-road experienceLast updated at 6:40 PM on 11th October 2011 Young cyclists are always warned to wear helmets when pedalling around on their bikes.But a mountain biker taking part in a race near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, had reason to be doubly thankful for his after he was sent flying... by a charging antelope. Evan van der Spuy was taking part in the Time Freight MTB Express Mountain race in Albert Falls Resort and Game Reserve when he was hit by the male Red Hartebees at high speed.   Oblivious: Mr van der Spuy was taking part in the Time Freight MTB Express Mountain race near Pietermaritzburg when he was hit  Wipe out: The male Red Hartbeest gets closer to the cyclist, but instead of swerving round him leaps straight into the air Mr van der Spuy was thrown clear of his bike and landed in a crumpled heap as the buck ran off. The amazing collision was captured by fellow mountain biker Travis Walker, who had a camera strapped to his bike as he was working for a marketing company sponsoring the event. He told ABC News: 'It was freaky. I saw it coming closer so I braked, thought it would go in between the gap. 'It hit him, lifted him off the ground, landed in the grass - he started making weird noises and I didn't know what to do.'  Off-road adventure: The buck, which can weigh up to 31 stone, brings both of them crashing to the ground  Crashed out: The cyclist and antelope are sent sprawling by the force of their impact Mr van der Spuy's helmet was destroyed in the impact with the animal, which can weigh up to 31 stone. Mr Walker was able to help his friend to nearby medics and he was taken to hospital suffering from a minor concussion and whiplash. He was discharged yesterday morning.  Dazed: Mr van der Spuy suffered mild concussion and whiplash and was kept in hospital overnight  Lucky escape: His cycling helmet was destroyed in the impact and the whole crash was filmed by Travis Walker who was riding behind him |
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