Ralf Rangnick cycles onto pitch as Austria beat Bosnia in World Cup qualifier

Ralf Rangnick pedaled onto the pitch at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday night as Austria prepared to play Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup qualifying match, explaining the unusual entrance was to reduce strain on an injured ankle. The 67-year-old, who is recovering from complications after ankle surgery over the summer, arrived on two wheels for a pre-match interview and cycled again at half-time on his way to the dressing room.

Austria won 2-1, with Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer scoring and Edin Džeko briefly equalising for Bosnia, a result that strengthened Austria's bid to reach a first World Cup since 1998. Rangnick said he chose to cycle rather than walk because "the walk would have been a bit far otherwise," and the move drew surprised reactions from supporters at the Stadion Bilino Polje.

Rangnick first underwent ankle surgery earlier in the summer. In July an initial operation became infected, requiring further hospital treatment and an extended period of careful rehabilitation. The coach has since restricted the amount of weight and strain placed on the ankle while continuing to oversee Austria's preparations and matches.

Rangnick, who took charge of Austria in 2022, guided the team to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after topping a group that included France, the Netherlands and Poland. He has recorded 21 wins in 37 games with the national side. His wider managerial career includes spells at Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, Schalke, Stuttgart and Hannover, and he served a turbulent six-month stint as Manchester United's interim manager. He reportedly turned down an approach from Bayern Munich in 2024.

The bicycle appearances preceded one of several crucial qualifying fixtures on Austria's calendar as they pursue automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Tuesday's victory in Zenica added momentum to that campaign and gave the national side valuable points in a tightly contested group.

Rangnick conducted a short pre-match interview for Austrian broadcaster ORF while on the bike, and his decision to minimise walking underlined the ongoing management of his recovery amid the demands of international competition. Team officials said he continues to limit activities that might risk the ankle while maintaining his coaching responsibilities.

The match provided a competitive test for both sides, with Austria ultimately taking the lead through Sabitzer before Džeko levelled. Laimer's goal secured the win and kept Austria positioned as they press for World Cup qualification, while Rangnick's ride across the turf offered an unusual, visible reminder of the personal challenges some managers contend with during a demanding international schedule.