Jump directly to the content

A TOUR DE FRANCE star narrowly avoided a devastating crash by bunny hopping over a cyclist in front of him.

Stage five of the cycling race ended in a bunch sprint finish in Saint-Vulbas.

Mads Pedersen crashed right in front of Axel Zingle in the sprint finish
3
Mads Pedersen crashed right in front of Axel Zingle in the sprint finishCredit: instagram @letourdefrance
Zingle reacted quickly by bunny hopping over his rival
3
Zingle reacted quickly by bunny hopping over his rivalCredit: instagram @letourdefrance
Zingle avoided a potentially horrifying crash
3
Zingle avoided a potentially horrifying crashCredit: instagram @letourdefrance

Britain's Sir Mark Cavendish won the race to claim a record-breaking 35th win at the Tour de France.

But eagle-eyed fans also spotted a brilliant piece of skill just behind the legendary sprinter.

Trek rider Mads Pedersen crashed into the barriers as he sprinted for the line at 40mph.

A split second later Axel Zingle came up behind the Dane and, with nowhere else to go, intuitively bunny hopped over the felled cyclist.

READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

He avoided crashing and was able to cross the line unharmed as Cavendish celebrated his historic victory.

Cavendish, 39, postponed his retirement after crashing out of the Tour last year during stage eight.

He even overcame sickness on stage one of this year's edition as he threw up on live TV.

After breaking the record held by cycling great Eddie Merckx, he said: “I’m in a bit of disbelief.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Mark Cavendish career stats

Tour de France:

35 stage wins - 2008-2013, 2015, 2016, 2021,2024

Points classification - 2011, 2021

Giro d'Italia:

17 stage wins - 2008, 2009, 2011-13, 2022, 2023

Points classification - 2013

Vuelta a Espana:

Three stage wins - 2010

Points classification - 2010

World Championships: 2011

“You sprint as hard as you can until you get to the finish and maybe your life changes if you cross that line first, maybe it doesn’t if you don’t.

“That is the nature of this race and what makes it so beautiful.”

British legend Mark Cavendish, 39, breaks Tour de France record for most stage wins ever after thrilling sprint finish
Topics