“The driver texted me that it was my own fault”: Xandro Meurisse slams reckless driver after being hit from behind by a car on stage 16

Stage 16 of the Tour de France was overshadowed by two separate road incidents involving riders outside the race itself. While UAE Team Emirates-XRG confirmed Brandon McNulty had been struck by a car before the individual time trial, Pinarello Q36.5's Xandro Meurisse also endured a frightening collision after his ride, escaping with only cuts and bruises despite being hit from behind by a vehicle. Luckily, none of them were forced to abandon.

Meurisse completed the stage in 52nd place, finishing more than four and a half minutes behind stage winner Remco Evenepoel. After the time trial, however, the Belgian's day took a dramatic turn while riding back from the finish to the start area.

The 34-year-old explained that he was using the ride as an easy cool-down when the incident happened. “The bike ride seemed ideal for a bit of a loosening-up,” Meurisse said in words gathered by Sporza. “I was about one and a half kilometers from the start.”

According to the Belgian, he was riding normally on the right-hand side of the road while keeping an eye on traffic. “Along the lake, I was riding on the right, as I normally would, taking the traffic into account. Over my shoulder, I saw a car coming and there were two cyclists riding in front of me.”

Meurisse waited for the vehicle to overtake before attempting to pass the cyclists ahead, but the car never gave him the opportunity. “I waited for the car to pass me, but I didn't have the chance to pass the two cyclists. The car hit me full on my rear wheel.”

“At first I didn't know what was happening. Then I saw the sealant from my tire and the mark from my tire on the car.”

Fortunately, Meurisse escaped without serious injuries and was able to start stage 17 after receiving treatment. “There are a lot of scrapes on my back, buttock, elbow and knee.”

Despite the physical damage, the psychological impact of being hit from behind was perhaps even greater. “I was mainly just a bit shocked. In a race, you sometimes see a crash coming, but I have never experienced being hit from behind. That feels really nasty because there is nothing you can do about it.”

What surprised Meurisse even more was the reaction of the people inside the vehicle. “They both thought it was quite funny when they stood there. The driver texted me that it was my own fault. They have that kind of nerve, too. That shows who these people are.”

Looking back, Meurisse knows the outcome could have been far worse. “Ultimately, I am glad to be here. We got away with scrapes and some extra work for the physio and the mechanics.”

The incident came on the same day that Brandon McNulty was also struck by a car in a separate accident before the time trial, making it a deeply unsettling day for two Tour de France riders away from the race itself.