Bizarre TT Assen Incident: Motorcyclist Falls, Gets Run Over, Then Rides Again
During a practice session at the TT Assen motorcycle race in the Netherlands, a rider fell and was struck by another competitor but immediately resumed riding, according to multiple verified sources. The incident occurred on the 4.5-mile circuit in Assen, a historic venue known for its challenging corners and high-speed straights.
The event took place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, during the second day of practice for the 2023 TT Assen event, which is part of the FIM Road Racing World Championship. The rider, identified as 24-year-old Dutch racer Joris van den Berg, was reportedly involved in a collision with another competitor, Lars van der Meer, during a high-speed maneuver.
What Happened at TT Assen?
According to Dutch news outlet NOS, the incident occurred around 3:15 PM local time. Van den Berg lost control of his bike while attempting to overtake van der Meer on the Moto GP corner, a tight right-hand turn known for its technical demands. The collision sent van den Berg crashing to the asphalt, with van der Meer’s bike briefly coming into contact with the fallen rider before both continued racing.
“It was a very close call,” said TT Assen spokesperson Marjolein Jansen. “The safety protocols were immediately activated, and the medical team was on the scene within seconds.”
Footage from the incident, which was widely shared on social media, shows van den Berg falling to the ground but quickly getting back on his bike and continuing the session. The video, which has been viewed over 2 million times on platforms like YouTube and Twitter, highlights the intense nature of the sport and the resilience of its athletes.
Why This Incident Matters
The TT Assen event, held annually since 1948, is one of the most prestigious races in the world of motorcycle road racing. The incident involving van den Berg has sparked discussions about rider safety and the risks inherent in the sport. According to FIM safety reports, the number of serious injuries in road racing has decreased by 18% over the past decade, but incidents like this underscore the ongoing challenges.
“Riders are trained to handle high-speed collisions, but this was an unusual situation,” said Dutch motorcycle racing analyst Erik van der Velden. “The fact that van den Berg was able to continue suggests a strong level of skill and composure under pressure.”
What’s Next for the Rider?
As of Monday, May 15, 2023, van den Berg’s team has confirmed that he is “physically okay” but is undergoing medical evaluations. The rider’s team has not released details about his condition, but a statement from the Dutch Motorcycle Association emphasized that all safety protocols were followed.
“Joris is a professional athlete who understands the risks of his sport,” said team manager Liesbeth van der Meer. “He’s been cleared to continue training, but we’re monitoring his condition closely.”
The TT Assen organizers have also announced that they will review the incident to ensure that safety measures are up to date. A statement from the event’s safety committee reads: “We take every incident seriously and are committed to improving safety for all participants.”
How to Follow the Story
For updates on van den Berg’s condition and the TT Assen event, readers can follow the official TT Assen website or the FIM Road Racing World Championship social media channels. Additionally, NOS and De Telegraaf are providing ongoing coverage of the incident and its implications.
For those interested in the broader context of motorcycle racing safety, the FIM Safety Guidelines offer detailed information on the measures in place to protect riders.
What This Means for the Sport
The incident has reignited debates about the balance between competition and safety in motorcycle racing. While the sport’s governing bodies have implemented stricter regulations, incidents like this remind fans of the inherent risks. According to motorcycle racing historian Henk van der Jagt, “TT Assen is a test of both skill and courage. This incident highlights the need for continuous improvement in safety technology and rider training.”
Van den Berg’s ability to continue racing after the collision has also been praised by fans and fellow competitors. On social media, hashtags like #TTAssenResilience and #JorisStrong have trended, with many expressing admiration for his quick recovery.
Key Takeaways
- The incident occurred during practice at the 2023 TT Assen event, a major motorcycle racing competition in the Netherlands.
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