Unusual scenes unfolded during the twelfth stage of the Tour de France last week, as British cyclist Chris Froome was forced to abandon his bike and run uphill following a crash with a motorbike.

It is believed that the motorbike was forced to stop suddenly due to spectators encroaching on to the road, which is a consistent problem for cycling’s biggest annual event.

After travelling both by bicycle and on foot, it would have only taken Froome diving head first into one of Mont Ventoux’s nearby streams to transform the Tour de France into a full-blown triathlon.

While Froome’s foray into the world of triathlon was short lived, more and more people have been taking up the gruelling multi-discipline event in recent years, with the British Triathlon Federation now boasting more than 15,000 members who attend more than 500 registered clubs.

Given the intensity of triathlon, it is important to have adequate protection in place should your bicycle get damaged during training or the race itself.

As long as you are not a professional cyclist, cycle insurance from the ETA includes comprehensive over for triathlon, time trials, downhill mountain biking, sportives and other competitive cycling in Britain & abroad. No additional cost is made for race cover, and the following summary illustrates how it can protect your bike when you train and take part in events.

Insurance cover for race events

When you are taking part in a cycle race or triathlon you are covered against theft, accidental damage and vandalism, but not third party cover, personal accident or cycle rescue. Third party insurance is usually the responsibility of the race organiser or will be included as part of your race licence if you have one.

Triathlon transition areas

When you take part in a triathlon, your bike is covered against theft when it is left in the transition area. The bike does not need to be locked while it is in the transition areas as long as the area is supervised by a marshal (which is usually the case).

Race events abroad

Yes, in the same way as you are in Britain. You are covered against theft, accidental damage and vandalism while you are racing. In the case of triathlon, your bike is covered against theft when it is left in transition as long as the area is supervised by a marshal (which is usually the case). You are not covered against third party claims, personal accident cover or cycle rescue while racing. Third party liability is usually the responsibility of the race organiser or may be included as part of your race licence if you have one.

Accidental damage when racing

Yes. Our policy covers accidental damage during competitive cycling whether it’s on-road during a sportive, off-road downhill mountain biking or indoors during a freestyle BMX competition.

ETA Cycle Insurance

On the face of it, one cycle insurance policy is much like another, but the devil is the detail. How much excess you will be charged is just one of the things that varies wildly between providers. Another is so called ‘new-for-old’ replacement – many insurers use this term, but if your bicycle is more than a few years old, devalue it severely. This means you are left out of pocket when you come to replace it. Read our insider guide to cycle insurance.

Furthermore, every cycle insurance policy you buy from us helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.

ETA cycle insurance has a low standard excess of 5% (minimum £25) and offers a new-for-old for life – however old the bike, if it’s stolen you get enough to buy a new model.

For 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. We never devalue bikes no matter their age, allow you to buy your replacement bike wherever you like, replace stolen quick release components and handle claims in-house.

The Good Shopping Guide voted us Britain’s most ethical insurance company 2016.