Moto3 riders Joel Kelso and Daniel Holgado may not have had their races cruelled by their frightening collision at the seasoning-opening Portuguese Grand Prix but their accident at the finish line brought the event to a standstill.
With the leading riders receiving the chequered flag at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, CFMoto Racing Pruestel rider Joel Kelso and KTM Tech3 racer Daniel Holgado collided metres after crossing the finish line.
Holgado, who won the race after pipping fellow Spaniard David Munoz, slowed down to celebrate his maiden victory after completing the race, before a heavy collision with Kelso who placed ninth with a gap of 1.268 seconds.
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The impact upended Kelso from his bike, causing him to land awkwardly on his feet before violently skidding across the track.
“Oh, that’s horrendous,” commentator Matthew Birt said on Fox Sports’ coverage.
“That’s Holgado, the race winner, celebrating there and Kelso goes for the tear-off – just momentarily distracted. Oh, that’s horrible.
“That is absolutely horrendous to watch.”
In the moments following the incident, Kelso was conscious and taken to the circuit’s medical centre for further tests.
Holgado was uninjured, able to keep the bike upright.
Kelso later shared a series of posts on social media showing him hauled up in a wheelchair with a cast on his left leg – alluding to a broken ankle – and ice on his right.
“Thanks everyone for the messages. I will give an update when I can,” the Aussie wrote on Instagram.
Holgado also extended his best wishes to Kelso, posting: “The most important thing today is that we are both fine, get well soon bro.”
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