CYCLE HORROR
English cyclist Matt Walls in horror crash as he flies into crowd and leaves fan covered in blood at Commonwealth Games
ENGLAND cyclist Matt Walls suffered a horror Commonwealth Games crash as he smashed into the CROWD, leaving a fan covered in blood.
The accident, which involved multiple riders, occurred during the final lap of men’s 15km scratch race qualifying and medical teams immediately rushed to the scene.
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Matt Bostock of the Isle of Man had to be taken away on a stretcher, while English rider Walls and his bike went flying over the barriers and into the crowd.
Paramedics erected screens to shield Olympic omnium champ Walls while he received treatment and one man was taken away in a wheelchair covered in blood.
Following the collision, the morning session was abandoned - there was only one race left to go - and the velodrome in East London was quickly cleared of spectators.
Three riders - Walls, Bostock and Canadian Derek Gee - were taken to hospital. Two spectators were treated at the velodrome.
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But British Cycling later said: "Following medical treatment in hospital, Matt Walls has been discharged with stitches in his forehead, scrapes and bruises but thankfully no major injuries.
"We send our best wishes to all other riders and spectators involved in the crash and thank the medical teams for their expert care."
The athlete tonight updated fans on Twitter.
He Tweeted: "Thank you everyone for the messages and support! I’ve somehow come away with no serious injures just a few stitches and pretty banged up. I really hope everyone else involved is ok including the spectators that may have been injured."
Britain's Ethan Vernon won the qualifier but Canadian Mathias Guillemette was disqualified by racing chiefs for causing the initial crash.
A Birmingham 2022 spokesperson said: “Following a crash at the morning session of track and para-track cycling at the Lee Valley VeloPark, three cyclists and two spectators have been treated by the onsite medical team.
“The three cyclists have been taken to hospital. The two spectators did not require hospital treatment.
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“The next session is due to start at 3pm as scheduled, however an update will be provided as soon as possible if that situation changes.
“We would like to send our best wishes to the cyclists and spectators involved in this incident and to thank the medical team for their swift action.”
British Cycling tweeted: “Following a crash in the men’s scratch, Matt Walls and Matt Bostock are being treated by medics before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
“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 race team added: “Our thoughts are with all the riders involved in the crash in the velodrome.”
Scottish Cycling said: “Unfortunately we have just witnessed another big crash at the velodrome.
“Kyle Gordon was taken down but thankfully got up and got back on this bike.
“Our thoughts with the two riders who are receiving medical attention.”
Following a crash in the men’s scratch, Matt Walls & Matt Bostock are being treated by medics before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
British cycling
Welsh Cycling added: “Sending our love and best wishes to those injured in the crash at the velodrome today.
“On behalf of all of us at Welsh Cycling we hope for a speedy recovery.
“We can confirm that Will Roberts is ok, and was not involved in the accident.”
Walls, 24, is one of the biggest stars of the British Cycling squad and won Olympic gold in the men's Omnium as well as Madison silver at the Tokyo Games last summer.
The Oldham-born athlete was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to cycling.
Spectators inside were left in shock following the terrifying pile-up.
One said: “I’ve just witnessed the most horrific crash.
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“Cyclist Matt Walls went off the velodrome track into the crowd, close to were we were sitting with our baby.
“I’m in shock. My thoughts are with the cyclists. I really hope they’re okay.”
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Sunday's crash comes after a collision amongst cyclists in the games just the day before, when England's Joe Truman suffered a broken collarbone during the keirin semi-final.
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