Horror crash sees cyclist launch into crowd
The opening session of the track cycling event at the Commonwealth Games has been cancelled after a horrific crash left several athletes and spectators injured.
A cyclist and his bike were catapulted over the barrier and into the crowd in an incident that brought down several riders in a sickening scene during the men’s 15km scratch race qualifying at the Lee Valley Velodrome.
Medical staff rushed to the area where they were seen tending to British cyclist Matt Walls for more than 40 minutes before he was taken to hospital.
England’s Commonwealth Games team then provided a positive update on Matt's condition later in the day.
“Matt is alert and talking (as he has been throughout) and is being given medical attention in hospital,” the team statement read.
The 24-year-old was trying to avoid riders who had fallen in a crash lower down the banking but as he rode up, he clipped another wheel and went over the top into the crowd.
Witnesses said that, because of the gradient of the banking, spectators in the front row had been unsighted for the crash.
One man received treatment for cuts to his arm while a young girl also received medical attention.
Isle of Man rider Matt Bostock was also taken away from the scene on a stretcher.
A Birmingham 2022 spokesperson said three riders and two spectators were treated by the on-site medical team.
All three riders were taken to hospital, while the spectators were tended to at the scene.
The session was abandoned moments later with one more event still scheduled.
England’s Commonwealth Games Team released a preliminary statement sending its best wishes to all those involved.
“Following a crash in the cycling men’s scratch race, Matt Walls has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks,” the statement read.
“We send our best wishes to the riders and spectators involved in the incident, and will provide a further update when we can.”
England’s racing team also tweeted, “Thoughts are with all the riders involved in the crash in the velodrome.”
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