BIRMINGHAM, England — The remainder of Sunday’s track cycling morning session at the 2022 Commonwealth Games was abandoned following a horror multi-rider crash that saw Team England’s Matt Walls and his bike fly over the barrier and into the crowd.
A number of riders were involved in the crash during the second qualifying heat of the men’s scratch at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London, prompting organisers to end the morning sessions with one race remaining. All spectators were asked to leave the arena shortly after.
Paramedics treated Olympic gold medallist Walls in the stands, with medical attention also given to Isle of Man rider Matt Bostock, who was taken away in a stretcher, and at least one spectator. Both riders have since been taken to hospital.
A Birmingham 2022 spokesperson told ESPN: “Following a crash at the morning session of track and para track cycling at the Lee Valley VeloPark, three cyclists and two spectators have been treated by the onsite medical team.
“The three cyclists have been taken to hospital. The two spectators did not require hospital treatment.
“The next session is due to start at 3pm as scheduled.
“We would like to send our best wishes to the cyclists and spectators involved in this incident and to thank the medical team for their swift action.”
British Cycling said in a statement: “Following a crash in the men’s scratch, Matt Walls and Matt Bostock are being treated by medics before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
“We send our best wishes to the riders and spectators involved in the incident and will provide a further update when we can.”
Team England said in a statement that Walls was taken to hospital for “precautionary checks.”
Later, a Team England spokesperson said: “Following medical treatment in hospital, Matt Walls has been discharged with stitches in his forehead, scrapes and bruises but thankfully no major injuries.
“We send our best wishes to all other riders and spectators involved in the crash and thank the medical teams for their expert care.”
The incident comes a day after another crash in the men’s keirin track cycling event on Saturday that saw Team England’s Joe Truman requiring oxygen at the trackside and later hospitalised with a suspected broken collarbone.
Saturday’s crash also involved Team Australia rider Matt Glaetze, who was bidding for a fifth Commonwealth gold until the 70kph collision.