The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a bizarre case of sabotage at a Leonardtown bicycle race over the weekend that involved someone tossing numerous thumbtacks onto a roadway in various spots apparently aimed at causing crashes.
Officials said tacks were thrown along the race course during the Patuxent Velo Cycling Club’s Leonardtown Criterium event on Sunday, causing cyclists to crash.
The crashes damaged some of the bicycles but also caused numerous injuries, including one cyclist who suffered a broken bone, according to the sheriff’s office.
Cyclists in such road races can travel at speeds up to or even exceeding 30 miles per hour, and sudden crashes can cause serious injuries.
Authorities referred the public to a video that one of the race’s participants recorded while riding. It depicts a multiple-cycle crash at one of the racecourse’s turns. In the video, riders are seen turning to the right and then crashing as they hit the tacks.
Leonardtown Crash from Bryan Vaughan on Vimeo.
St. Mary’s authorities ask that anyone with information about the incident call Corporal M. Smolarsky at 301-475-4200, ext. 1960 or the Crime Solvers tip line at 301-475-3333. Callers could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
— Josh White
Update: [via Washcycle] Martin Austermuhle was at the race and adds that this, shockingly is not new.
This isn’t the first time local races have suffered this type of
sabotage. Last year the popular Jefferson Cup in Charlottesville had to
contend with local teenagers breaking bottles on the course the night
before the race, and the 2009 installment of the Tour of Walkersville in
Maryland had to deal with tacks on the road.
Oh teenage boys, is there anything you can’t ruin?
Washcycle https://www.thewashcycle.com/2010/05/bike-race-saboteurs-throws-tacks-on-route-cause-crashes.htmloldId.20100518213853484