Haute-Vienne hornet attack injures dozens of cyclists

During the 34th edition of the L’Occitane VTT mountain biking event in Peyrilhac, Haute-Vienne, approximately 37 to 40 cyclists were injured following a large-scale hornet attack. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM near the 29th kilometer of the circuit.

Emergency responders managed a significant number of victims, including both adults and children. While most injuries were treated on-site, four individuals—including two classified as absolute emergencies during initial triage—were evacuated to the Limoges University Hospital (CHU de Limoges) for medical surveillance due to the risk of delayed allergic reactions.

The attack may have been triggered by vibrations from the passing cyclists disturbing a nest. The incident follows the recent implementation of a national plan by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition to combat the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), a species that has been present in France since 2004 and poses a threat to honeybee populations.