It was all going so well…… But then 17-year-old MTB rider Evan van der Spuy hit – or rather was hit by - an unforeseen obstacle in the shape of a Red Hartebeest antelope.
The animals can reach speeds of around 30 miles per hour and males weigh up to 23.5 stone; a bit like some ex-bike riders I know (minus the speed).
The teenage rider was competing in an MTB race at Albert Falls Dam in South Africa when his progress down a dirt track was halted by the large and powerful beast.
The animal was clearly startled by van der Spuy and his fellow competitor Travis Walker rattling through the bush. It made a defensive charge at the teenager, sending him arse over tit from his trusted steed, but sparing him of being gorged by its two large sharp horns.
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The action was caught on a helmet-mounted camera by Walker, who was just yards behind the bizarre incident when it unfolded. Walker was carrying the camera to take footage of the MTB event for a marketing company.
The animal was momentarily dazed after ramming the teenager, but quickly jumped to its feet and made good his escape.
The aftermath was a little more troubled for van der Spuy, who was left spread-eagled in the grass and dirt, undoubtedly (and literally) not knowing what had just hit him.
He was left with minor concussion and whiplash, despite his helmet shattering on impact.
He will live to fight another day; not to mention bask in the glory of this clip going viral globally.
The Red Hartebeest is a large, reddish-fawn antelope which possesses an excellent sense of smell and hearing. It has very poor eyesight. Not that you’d notice though; bit of a bull’s eye, that one.
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