New Zealand cyclist Dion Smith had a close call during the third stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia after nearly being knocked off his bike by a runaway goat. The strange incident took place during the 160km stage, which began and ended in the Albanian town of Vlorë, as the peloton was speeding down a hill.
Smith, who rides for the Intermarché–Wanty team, noticed a small herd of goats by the roadside and veered to the right to avoid them. However, one goat unexpectedly dashed across the road directly into Smith’s path. The goat jumped into the air, brushing against Smith’s leg and back wheel, which caused him to be pushed onto the grass verge. Despite the close call, Smith managed to stay on his bike and rejoined the road shortly after. The goat appeared to be unharmed and calmly trotted away.
Smith described the moment, saying, “I didn’t have too much time to think. I could see it 10 seconds before, the policeman was trying to keep them all in, and then one or two started coming across.” He added that his love for animals remained unchanged and joked about his quick decision-making: “I didn’t know which way I was going to go, and everyone else went left. I chose right, but in the end, it was fine.”
This is not the first time that a wild animal has caused a disruption at the Giro d’Italia. In 2023, a dog ran onto the road, leading to a crash that caused several cyclists to brake suddenly in rainy conditions. Smith mentioned that he had been on alert for stray animals but didn’t anticipate an encounter with a goat, humorously noting, “I probably expected more of a wild dog, but I guess there’s a lot more goats down here.”
Smith expressed his appreciation for Albania’s beauty and how well the race has been organized, advising fellow cyclists, “Just watch out for the goats!”
