This is utterly ridiculous.
As we’re all more than well aware by now, head injuries in sport aren’t something that can simply be ignored.
Those of us that have watched enough football matches in the last few years will know that a referee will stop a game for a head injury and that players are removed if they’re showing even the slightest sign of concussion. It’s common sense.
With all this in mind, it makes the following footage, taken at the Tour of California all the more unbelievable.
The video begins with the immediate aftermath of a crash involving Latvian rider, Toms Skujins. The 25-year-old had come off his bike on a descent and quite clearly taken a bang to the head. Clearly disorientated and struggling to find his balance, Skujins can be seen attempting to pick his bike up from the road and continue with the race.
Continuing to look dazed, he then staggers across the road in a bid to retrieve his Garmin device, nearly colliding with other cyclists in the process.
Despite clearly being in no fit state to continue, Skujins was helped back on his bike by a man standing nearby, described as a neutral service mechanic by reports. Narrowly avoiding a collision with the kerb, he continues on his way.
Cade, si rialza, barcolla stordito e rischia di farsi investire: panico al Giro della California!😮#EurosportCICLISMO pic.twitter.com/TXKg9QGAAx
— Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) May 16, 2017
Thankfully, it’s emerged that the rider’s team, Cannondale-Drapac, were able to pull him out of the race later on.