Saturday marked the second-to-last day of the Tour de France, nearly delivering a dramatic moment. Sepp Kuss, an American cyclist, had a close call during Stage 20. Thank goodness for a catch fence that halted what could have been a dangerous fall.

The stage took the riders through mountainous terrain, often accompanied by steep drops. While leading, Kuss misjudged a corner and hit a low concrete barrier. The catch fence was at the end of the barrier, preventing a potentially severe incident.

“Whatever the reason, Kuss has to be thrilled it was there,” commented observers, noting the importance of such safety measures in cycling.

Cycling can be perilous, particularly in the French Alps. Kuss avoided a fall over the cliff, but his day was challenging. He faced two crashes during the stage, the second of which cost him the lead. Despite the difficulties, he finished third.

This third-place finish denied Kuss a chance to secure what would have been the first American stage win since his own victory in 2021. His talent and determination remain evident, even in adversity.