LONDON, July 31 (PA Media/dpa/SportsFinding) –
British Matt Walls suffered an accident at the Commonwealth Track Cycling Games on Sunday, after dodging a fall and being catapulted over the velodrome barriers, for which he was transferred to a hospital.
The 24-year-old Olympic omnium champion was treated for more than 40 minutes before leaving by ambulance. Also, spectators were injured after the cyclist, along with the bicycle, was thrown over the barriers at the top of the curve.
“Matt is alert and talking, as he has been at all times, and is receiving medical care at the hospital,” the England team reported. Witnesses said that due to the steepness of the curve, spectators in the front row could not see the accident. A man received treatment for cuts to his arm, while a young woman also received minor care.
Walls had tried to avoid the pilots who had fallen. The pair of New Zealanders George Jackson and Australian Josh Duffy slid, forcing Walls to climb the barrier and go over it. Canadian Derek Gee also surfed the top but managed to avoid Walls.
Matt Bostock was also taken to hospital with head and shoulder injuries, while Canadian Mathias Guillemette was disqualified for causing the opening crash. The remainder of the morning session at the velodrome was canceled and spectators were asked to leave while Walls was attended to by medical personnel.