Sportive rider causes social media sensation with untimely stack

Matt Adams' slow-motion faceplant on Box Hill turns into an internet hit. He's fine, by the way

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

When Matt Adams showboated in front of the lens of Phil O'Connor during the London Revolution sportive at the weekend, little did he know that his unfortunately-timed crash would end up plastered all over the internet.

Adams was taking part in the two-day sportive and decided to take his hands off the bars and give a mock victory celebration half-way up the iconic Surrey climb of Box Hill. He then lost control of his bike and ended up landing face-first into the grassy bank at the side of the road.

We've all been there, but most of us manage to do it without a professional photographer on hand to take a perfectly-framed sequence of shots.

The only damage was to his pride, and Adams got back on his bike to finish his 56-mile ride in one piece and smiling.

When O'Connor's posted the complete sequence of images of Adam's incident on his SportivePhoto Facebook page and then posted a link on Twitter, that was that. A legend was born.

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

London Revolution 2014

London Revolution 2014

(Image credit: Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com)

Down, back up and definitely not out - Matt Adams completes the London Revolution with a smile

All photos by Phil O'Connor/www.sportivephoto.com

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Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.