Team GB Olympic cyclist Katy Marchant was involved in a major crash that brought a halt to the UCI Track Champions League event in London.
Marchant, a member of the gold medal-winning women’s sprint team that set a world record at the Paris Olympics, was competing in the women’s keirin event at Lee Valley Velo Park.
The 31-year-old and Germany’s Alessa-Catriona Propster collided during qualifying, with both climbing over a barrier at high speed and landing with their bikes into the crowd.
The race was stopped immediately and both riders received treatment along with four spectators, Marchant was taken to hospital for further assessment and the UCI confirmed the rest of the night’s action was cancelled.
“We can confirm that the remainder of the UCI Track Champions League at Lee Valley VeloPark has been canceled due to an accident during tonight’s women’s keirin event,” the statement said.
A further statement, also shared by British Cycling, read: “We can confirm that two riders and four spectators have been treated following an accident during tonight’s UCI Track Champions League event at Lee Valley VeloPark in London.
“This incident occurred during a women’s keirin event. Event medical staff responded immediately and one rider was taken to hospital.
“WBD Sports, British Cycling, Lee Valley VeloPark and Union Cycliste Internationale have unanimously decided to suspend all racing for the evening and wish a speedy recovery to both the riders and all affected spectators.
“We would also like to thank the medical team for their quick response and ongoing support. We are working closely with all parties to review the incident before taking appropriate action.”
Marchant was taken out of the velodrome and treated at the scene for about 30 minutes before being taken to hospital. The British rider is said to have suffered a fracture to his forearm.
Saturday’s race in London was the final of five rounds of the UCI Track Champions League season. It started in France on November 23rd and was followed by back-to-back rounds in Apeldoorn, Netherlands the following weekend.
