Sunday’s morning track cycling session at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham was scrapped after a horrific crash involving both riders and fans at Lee Valley VeloPark
Olympic gold medalist Matt Walls was injured after a crash involving multiple runners sent him flying over barriers and into the crowd.
AFP
It was a terrible incident
AFP
The fans were treated by doctors
The incident took place during the second qualifying round of the men’s scratch.
Walls received treatment for over 40 minutes and was protected by paramedics before being taken to an ambulance.
Spectators were also injured after he and his bike went over the top of the barriers on the high slope around the corner.
The 24-year-old Olympic omnium champion was trying to avoid riders who had fallen in a crash lower on the bank, but as he climbed he clipped another wheel and went over it .
AFP
Matt Walls flew over the barriers trying to avoid fellow riders
New Zealander George Jackson and Australian Josh Duffy slid down the embankment, forcing Walls up the barrier and then over it.
Canadian Derek Gee also surfed the top of the barrier but managed to avoid following Walls into the stands.
Witnesses said that due to the steepness of the incline, spectators in the front row were not seen during the crash.
A man was treated for cuts to his arm while a young girl also received minor treatment.
Matt Bostock from the Isle of Man was also taken to hospital with head and shoulder injuries, while Canadian Mathias Guillemette was disqualified for causing the initial accident.
The rest of the morning session at the velodrome was therefore canceled and spectators were asked to leave while medical staff attended to Walls.
A statement from British Cycling read: “Following a crash in the men’s scratch, Matt Walls and Matt Bostock are being treated by doctors 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.”
sports Gt