. @L_ArmiTstead taken to hospital after colliding with photographers after winning stage, race organisers announce pic.twitter.com/ONfyGGLZd7
— PA Sport (@pasport) June 17, 2015
British cyclist Lizzie Armitstead has been taken to hospital after crashing moments after winning the first stage of the 2015 Women’s Tour in Aldeburgh.
The Olympic silver medallist was rumoured to have either collided with a spectator or a misplaced barrier, although more recent reports suggest the crash was actually the result of a collision with photographers.
The brutal crash also saw various other riders hit the ground, causing a bit of a pile up and bringing an unfortunate end to the first stage of the race, with Armitstead requiring immediate medical assistance as she lay on the ground 50-metres beyond the finish line.
According to Telegraph reporter Tom Cary, the rider had her hands in the air when she came into contact with the photographers, who were standing in a specifically designated area.
Have spoken to photographers. They say they were in correct position. Race director Mick Bennett was with them and was hit by Armitstead
— Tom Cary (@tomcary_tel) June 17, 2015
So to recap, Armitstead won sprint, raised arms, then hit group of photographers + Mick Bennett 40-50m on. Statement imminent I’m told
— Tom Cary (@tomcary_tel) June 17, 2015
The 26-year-old then received a neck brace, was given oxygen by the medical staff on hand at the accident site, and was taken away in a stretcher to receive further treatment half an hour after falling from her bike.
The Boels Dolmans team collected the winner’s jersey on the podium on behalf of their rider, with British Cycling sending out a supportive tweet in the aftermath of the incident.
Best wishes to Britain’s Lizzie Armitstead who has won stage one @thewomenstour but has crashed after the finish line pic.twitter.com/w2nHnb435K — British Cycling (@BritishCycling) June 17, 2015
The full extent of Lizzie’s injuries have not yet been confirmed, but we wish her a speedy recovery in any case.
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