Runaway Goat Collides with Cyclist During Giro d’Italia

• New Zealand rider Dion Smith narrowly avoids crashing after goat runs into his path
• Incident occurred during Stage 3 in Albanian town of Vlorë
• Smith managed to stay upright and finish the stage unharmed
• Video shows goat leaping into rider’s leg and rear wheel
• Animal appeared unharmed and ran off safely

New Zealand cyclist Dion Smith narrowly escaped a crash after a runaway goat leapt into his path during Stage 3 of the Giro d’Italia, held in the southern Albanian town of Vlorë on Sunday.

The bizarre incident occurred during a downhill segment of the 160km route when Smith spotted a small herd of goats near the road. While attempting to avoid them by shifting to the right-hand side, one goat suddenly darted across and leapt into the air — colliding with his leg and back wheel.

“I didn’t have too much time to think. I could see it 10 seconds before… Everyone else went left, I chose right — but in the end, it was fine,” Smith said after the race.

The impact pushed him momentarily onto a grass verge, but Smith managed to stay on the bike and quickly rejoin the peloton. The goat was unharmed and seen trotting away.

A History of Animal Incidents at Giro

This is not the first time animals have disrupted the Giro. In 2023, a stray dog caused a pileup in wet conditions, highlighting the unpredictable challenges riders face.

Smith admitted he had been on alert for animals but did not expect a goat:

“I probably expected more of a wild dog. But I guess there’s a lot more goats down here,” he added. “It’s been a different experience — just watch out for the goats!”

Despite the scare, the day ended safely for both rider and animal, adding another odd chapter to Giro d’Italia history.