Cyclist crashes into cow on Austrian mountain trail
- Mike Burgbacher, a 23-year-old German tourist, crashed into a cow while biking on a mountain trail in Sölden, Austria.
- Despite the collision, both Mike and the cow were unharmed, and the cow continued eating without concern.
- Mike expressed his hope that such an incident would not happen again, emphasizing the risks of biking on trails where livestock may wander.
On August 9, 2022, a cyclist named Mike Burgbacher, a 23-year-old German tourist, experienced an unexpected collision while riding down a mountain trail in Sölden, Austria. As he and his friend were enjoying their ride, a cow suddenly appeared in their path. Despite Mike's attempt to brake and his friend's effort to push the cow aside, the cyclist was unable to avoid crashing into the animal. Fortunately, both Mike and the cow emerged from the incident without any injuries. After the crash, Mike and his friend took a moment to check on the cow, who seemed unfazed and continued grazing, showing no signs of distress. They then inspected their bikes and found no damage, although the close encounter left a significant impression on Mike. He expressed that he had never experienced such a fall before and hoped it would not happen again. Mike highlighted the dangers of mountain biking on trails designed for speed and jumps, noting that the presence of livestock like cows can pose serious risks to cyclists. Despite the incident, he remained enthusiastic about biking in Austria, praising the country for its numerous bike parks, which he believes surpass those in Germany. Currently working as a tractor mechanic, Mike aspires to turn his passion for biking into a professional career in the future, indicating that this incident, while alarming, will not deter him from pursuing his love for the sport.