Heidi Franz has revealed she was taken out of the 2025 Clasica de Almeria after being hit from behind by a race moto while trying to avoid a crash in the peloton. The Cynisca Cycling rider was left with a concussion and whiplash but says she considers herself “really lucky” given the circumstances.
The race took place on 23rd February, but Franz only shared her experience today, in an Instagram post. She described how she was caught up in the incident after taking evasive action when a crash happened in the bunch.
“Avoiding crashes in the middle of the peloton, I went to the left lane of traffic which was coned off due to construction. I got myself to the gravel and thought, okay- I’m good here. Then from behind, a race moto (riding what looked more like a moto GP bike rather than a traffic safety moto) began to crash after trying to pass the peloton through the dirt, and then seeing me. He then hit me from behind and I went down on my right side. 3km from the first climb of the day and just when the race was about to really kick off. The team had done a lot of work setting up for that point and it sucked not even getting to try and reward their hard work.”
Franz questioned the actions of the moto rider, criticising his decision to attempt an overtake at a dangerous moment.
“Why this guy decided to pass at this very moment, while riders were on the ground, and still avoiding the crashes? I do not know. Will he get a yellow card or red card from the UCI for his actions? Definitely not…”
Photo Credit: PelotonBriefShe also claimed that UCI officials dismissed her recollection of the incident.
“Did the President of the Jury for the UCI try to gaslight me and tell me I was not remembering correctly? Yes, but that’s another issue that hopefully will be addressed later. ‘Rider safety’ and all that.”
Franz chose to withdraw from the race after sustaining a concussion, following protocols she has always advocated for.
“I got to practice what I always preach for the first time ever and left the race after a hit to the head, and I’m glad I did. So grateful to @cyniscacycling for supporting that decision.”
Now focusing on recovery, Franz is hoping to return to racing soon.
“Thanks to that and the insane wealth of knowledge and resources from @xavi_fisiat [Xavi Fisiat], @forca_13 [Força 13] and a timely webinar on concussion from @thecyclistsalliance [The Cyclists Alliance], I’ve made a ton of great progress just since then and am now [cautiously] back on the road. A @usacycling women’s National Team block has started where I’m hoping to be back on for @vueltaextremadura.”
The incident adds to ongoing concerns over race moto behaviour and safety standards in the women’s peloton, with Franz’s account highlighting continued frustrations over a lack of accountability.
