Pedestrian causes massive cycling crash in Chinese bike race as peloton ploughed into him at high speed

THIS is the shocking moment that dozens of cyclists taking part in a high-speed race crashed after an oblivious man stepped onto a zebra crossing in front of them.

The massive pileup happened during the Tour De Qinghai Lake cycling race in Xining city in China.

Footage shot from above and from the ground shows that just as the cyclists were passing a busy junction in Xining city, a pedestrian suddenly appeared and started crossing the road at the zebra crossing in front of them.

The hapless man appeared to have not even looked at peloton careering towards him.

Once he had stepped on to the road, the riders could not avoid him, causing an domino-effect pileup in the bunch.

According to emergency services who treated the injured riders, six of them were badly injured and the pedestrian was also led away by cops, bruised and covered in blood.

Several of those injured had to drop out of the race as a result.

Following the spectacular crash, it was revealed that several police officers and race officials were suspended, but the pedestrian was also arrested by police for jaywalking.

However, initial reports said it was likely that he will not face charges as it appears he is of limited mental ability and may not be responsible for his actions.

The annual Tour De Qinghai Lake is one of the biggest in Asia and attracts contestants from all over the world.

After fan problems caused Chris Froome to run up Mont Ventoux in the Tour de France, it is the latest incident involving poor security in cycling, its organisation might have been a little lax. An investigation is ongoing.