Motorcycle rider dies after collision with cyclist at Ironman Hamburg race

BERLIN: A motorcycle rider died on Sunday (Jun 4) following a collision with a cyclist during the Ironman European championship in Hamburg, police said.

The rider, who was carrying a camera operator, clashed head-on with the cyclist at a narrow part of the race where both lanes were being used by competitors and accompanying vehicles.

The accident happened during live coverage of the race before Germany's ARD broadcaster interrupted transmission.

The man died on the spot, police officials said, while the road cyclist suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. The cameraman escaped with only slight injuries

The race was interrupted but resumed a little time later.

Participants in the Hamburg Ironman triathlon - a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycling course and a marathon-length footrace - are competing for the European title in the event and qualification for the world championships later this year in Nice, France.