Commonwealth Games: England cyclist Matt Walls and spectators injured in velodrome crash

Three cyclists were taken to hospital and spectators were hurt in a serious crash during the second heat of the men’s scratch race at the Commonwealth Games.

England’s Matt Walls goes over the barrier into the crowd in a crash during the men’s 15km scratch race qualifying round.
Photo: Getty Images / PA / John Walton

The remainder of the morning session was cancelled and spectators were asked to leave the velodrome after Team England’s Matt Walls and Isle of Man’s Matt Bostock were involved in the crash along with several other riders.

Walls was catapulted over the barriers and into the crowd at the Lee Valley VeloPark, the 24-year-old receiving treatment for more than 40 minutes before leaving in an ambulance.

Spectators were also hurt after Walls and his bike came over the top of the barriers on the high banking at a corner of the track.

The Isle of Man’s Matt Bostock and Canada’s Derek Gee were also taken to hospital for tests.

Team England said later that Walls had been discharged with stitches in his forehead, but “thankfully no major injuries”.

The crash happened in the final lap of the men’s scratch race qualifying as eight riders collided on the track.

Walls had been trying to avoid riders who had fallen in an incident that began on the entrance to the corner. The stricken pair of New Zealander George Jackson and Australia’s Josh Duffy were sliding up the banking, forcing Walls up on to the barrier and then over it into the crowd.

Footage from the race showed Walls colliding with several spectators.

Gee also surfed the top of the barrier but managed to avoid following Walls into the stands.

“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,” a Birmingham 2022 spokesperson said in a statement.

“The three cyclists have been taken to hospital. The two spectators did not require hospital treatment.”

The session resumed with the men’s sprint quarter-finals. Jackson qualified and went on to compete in the final.

– Reuters / BBC