Cyclist fighting for life after crashing into telegraph pole during London to Brighton race

 
Cyclists line up at the start of the race launched by Masterchef judge John Torode
Ben Morgan30 June 2014

A cyclist was today fighting for his life after crashing into a telegraph pole during London to Brighton charity bike race.

The man, who has not been named but is in his thirties and from London, remains in a serious condition in hospital today after crashing into the pole as the race passed through the village of Gatton, Surrey, yesterday morning.

Paramedics rushed the man to St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, with life threatening injuries at around 7.30am on Sunday.

Hours later, a female cyclist was also rushed to hospital after being airlifted to hospital with serious head and eye injuries while cycling through Outwood, in Surrey.

Her condition has today been described as stable.

Both cyclists are being treated at the same hospital.

Organisers the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said an investigation has been launched over both crashes.

Louise Parkes, Director of Fundraising at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said: “We are saddened to hear that two cyclists have been injured while taking part in today’s British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride.

"An investigation will be carried out in conjunction with the police, ride managers and other agencies. As soon as we’re in a position to comment further we will do so. Our thoughts are with those involved and their families.”

It is thought that 28,000 cyclists set off at 6am from Clapham Common, South London, to pedal 54 miles to the Brighton seafront through Surrey and the South Downs.

Surrey police’s Collision Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the crashes and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman added: “Surrey Police is appealing for witnesses after a collision involving a cyclist taking part in the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride.

“The cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after he collided with a telegraph pole at 7-25am in Rocky Lane, Gatton.

“The cyclist, a man in his 30s from London, was taken by road to St George’s Hospital in Tooting where he remains in a serious condition.

“A female cyclist, who was also taking part in the event, had to be airlifted to St George’s Hospital following a collision in Rookery Hill, Outwood, around 10am. The cyclist, who is in her 30s, suffered injuries to her head and eye and her condition is currently described as stable.

“Any witnesses to this incident are asked to call Surrey Police on 101, quoting the incident reference above.”

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