Kevin Keegan In An Epic Bike Fall

1976 was a time when BBC’s Superstars reigned supreme. Millions would tune in to watch the country’s biggest sports stars take part in a series of events to find out who reigned supreme. It was a time when it seemed a good idea to allow one of the best footballers on the planet to ride a bike at breakneck speed on a dusty gravel running track. Cue Kevin Keegan in an epic bike fall……

Keegan wasn’t just any other footballer. He was THE footballer at the time. This was a man who spearheaded Bob Paisley’s first title-winning Liverpool team that year. In what seems a bizarre move by modern standards, it seems odd that the Reds actually allowed their most prized asset to take part.

Second-Hand Bike

But take part he did. There he was, in 1976, with rippling muscles, sitting on a bike, and ready to race in front of the world. A bike that in today’s standards would be a bargain basement purchase at your local second-hand bike shop.

Keegan set off exerting maximum pressure on the bike. So much so that it looked likely to snap in half. Each pedal stroke made the bike wobble and it looked like the front wheel would buckle at any given moment.

‘He’s wobbling all over the track,’

ron pickering – commentator

Then, as they reach the first bend, Keegan’s race comes to an abrupt end. He’s cut off by Gilbert van Binst – Belgium’s football captain. Keegan’s front wheel clips the back of van Binst’s and he falls and slides on his back for 10 metres on the gravel track.

‘And Keegan’s gone,’ screams Pickering.

Kevin Keegan Bike Accident

The fall was a horrific fall. Keegan lay prostrate on the ground. Lying on his back with the dust from the track all around him. Liverpool fans across the country held their breath. Millions of TV viewers were shocked to see the Kevin Keegan bike accident before their eyes.

Seconds later Keegan rose to rapturous applause and cheers. His shoulder is missing the majority of it’s skin and he has a nasty gash on his forearm. Keegan nonchalantly laughs it all off and appears unperturbed by the fall.

So much so that he insists on re-racing and in doing so goes on to beat van Binst and eventually win the final.

Hospital Bound

His excitement wasn’t finished there though.

Keegan was admitted to a Northampton hospital while driving home with his wife Jean after the TV recording.

He complained of feeling ill with severe stomach pains, later diagnosed as a viral infection, and was ordered to rest over the weekend.