Two minor cyclists from the Icelandic national team sustained injuries in a traffic accident near the village of Zubovce on the Kumanovo – Sveti Nikole regional road on July 23, 2025. The incident occurred around 12:00 PM.

The European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) reported that the athletes received medical assistance at the General Hospital Kumanovo and are in stable condition. Hospitalization was not required.

According to the Sector of Internal Affairs (SIA) Kumanovo, a “Volkswagen Passat” struck the cyclists. The vehicle was driven by a 42-year-old individual with Kumanovo license plates.

EYOF Skopje 2025 organizing committee representatives responded to the scene to provide support and maintain contact with the Icelandic delegation. An investigation team from SIA Kumanovo inspected the site.

Police reported that the cyclists were not on an official training route and were training outside of the designated time frame. The Icelandic delegation conducted training on a regional road without notifying the organizing committee.

The Icelandic delegation expressed regret for the incident, stating, “We regret the unintentional incident that occurred outside the official EYOF training route. We are grateful that both cyclists are in good health. Thank you to the organizers and medical team for their quick response and support. We will cooperate fully with all relevant institutions to clarify the case and ensure that all activities continue in the spirit of sports, responsibility, and safety.”

Organizers emphasized that a completely blocked and safe route was provided for training activities from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This route extended from the Family restaurant in Karposh, along the old road to Kriva Palanka, through Sveta Petka, and along the regional road Kumanovo – Pelince border crossing to the ASNOM Memorial Center. Traffic was completely stopped on this section.

The police confirmed that the incident is isolated and unrelated to the official organization and security measures of EYOF. The organizing committee expressed deep regret and continues to communicate with the Icelandic delegation.

The organizers urge all teams and participants to strictly adhere to official instructions, permitted routes, and scheduled time frames for training. They also request prompt notification of any planned activity outside the official program to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The competitions continue as scheduled. Anna Bonasi from Italy won today’s women’s road cycling race, followed by Anna Meusen from Belgium and Melanie Rowe from Great Britain. The competition followed all prescribed safety protocols and standards of EYOF Skopje 2025.