Team GB Olympic cyclist Katy Marchant was involved in a significant crash that led to the abandonment of a UCI Track Champions League event in London.
Marchant, a member of the women’s team sprint that won gold in a new world record time at the Paris Olympics, was participating in the women’s keirin event at Lee Valley Velo Park.
During the heats, the 31-year-old collided with Germany’s Alessa-Catriona Propster, resulting in both riders and their bikes flying over the barriers at speed and landing in the crowd.
The race was immediately stopped, and both riders, along with four spectators, received medical treatment. Marchant was taken to the hospital for further assessment, and the UCI confirmed the cancellation of the rest of the night’s action.
The statement confirmed: “Following an incident during the Women’s Keirin races tonight, the UCI Track Champions League racing at Lee Valley VeloPark has been cancelled.”
Another statement from British cycling added: “Two riders and four spectators received medical treatment following an incident during tonight’s UCI Track Champions League event at Lee Valley VeloPark in London.
“The incident occurred during the Women’s Keirin race. Event medics responded promptly, and one rider was transferred to the hospital.
“WBD Sports, British Cycling, Lee Valley VeloPark, and the Union Cycliste Internationale decided unanimously to suspend all further racing for the evening and send best wishes for a speedy recovery to both riders and affected spectators.
“We would like to thank the medical staff for their swift response and ongoing support. We are collaborating with all parties to review the incident before taking appropriate action.”
Marchant was taken to the hospital after receiving treatment on the scene for around 30 minutes, reportedly sustaining a fractured forearm. She was carried out of the velodrome for further evaluation.
The action in London on Saturday marked the conclusion of the UCI Track Champions League season, which began in France on November 23 and included rounds in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, in the following weeks.
