Helicopter pilot taken off Tour of Oman after blowing barriers across road on stage 3

Barriers were blown across the road by a TV helicopter at the finish of stage 3 of the 2023 Tour of Oman
Barriers were blown across the road by a TV helicopter at the finish of stage 3 of the 2023 Tour of Oman (Image credit: OmanSportsTV)

Stage 3 of the Tour of Oman, finishing atop Jabal Hatt, was notable for playing host to Matteo Jorgenson's debut pro victory, but half a minute after the American triumphantly crossed the line there was carnage on the finishing straight.

As a group led by Bora-Hansgrohe's Ben Zwiehoff and Intermarché-Circus-Wanty's Louis Meintjes was racing to the finish, a section of finish-line barriers flew into the road, blocking the route for the 10 riders battling over 16th place.

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Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, joining in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel. Their favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from the 2024 season include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.