CNN
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New Zealand cyclist Dion Smith was quite terrified during this year’s third phase of Giro do Italy after nearly knocking down a bike on a runaway goat on Sunday.
The strange incident occurred at a 160 km stage of the honorable race that began and ended in Vrolo, the Albanian town, as the Peloton was in a fast descent down the hill.
Smith, riding on Intermarco and Wanty’s team, said he spotted a small pack of goats on the side of the road and moved to the right to avoid a potential collision.
Unfortunately for him, one of the goats decided to dart across the road towards the cyclists’ path.
Presumably anticipating a collision, video footage showed the goat jumping into the air and brushing Smith’s legs and rear wheels.
As a result, the rider was forced into the grass edge, but managed to stay on the bike and quickly rejoined the road. Meanwhile, the goat appeared to have been run off unharmed.
“We didn’t have much time to think about it. We could see it 10 seconds ago. The officers were trying to put them all in. And one or two people started to meet,” Smith said, adding that he still loves animals.
“I mean, what can I say? I didn’t know which way to go, and everyone else left. I chose to the right, but in the end it was fine.”
It is not certain that wildlife caused confusion during Giro D’Italia.
In 2023, the dog caused a goat after driving down the road, and several cyclists forced it to brake in rainy conditions.
After this year’s incident, Smith said he was on guard against stray animals but didn’t expect any problems from the goats.
“We were hoping for a more wild dog, but I think there are more goats here,” he said according to Reuters.
“Albania is great and beautiful to the south here. They’re doing really well and I enjoy it. It was a different experience. Take care of the goats!”
