Over 10 Injured in Sha Tin Cycling Race Event
The Sha Tin Cycling Festival took a dangerous turn on Sunday as two participants were rushed to the hospital and nine others sustained injuries during the event. The accidents occurred during the youth and elite group competitions along the Shing Mun River, where more than 700 cyclists gathered to take part in the inaugural races.
According to reports, the riders faced challenges due to the uneven path, which led to multiple collisions. Among the injured were nine male and two female cyclists, with most of them suffering minor injuries. However, two individuals required hospital treatment for more serious conditions.
One of the incidents involved a cyclist losing control and crashing into a first aid station, causing a chain reaction that resulted in other bikers falling as well. Video footage from the event captured a cyclist wearing a neck brace, highlighting the intensity of the accidents that occurred.
KT Ng, representing the Hong Kong Flash Exchange Association, admitted that there were shortcomings in preparing the racecourse. He mentioned that despite efforts to contact the Highways Department to address the uneven road conditions, there was limited time for proper maintenance before the races began.
The road closure at 4 am and the subsequent races starting at 6:30 am did not leave sufficient time for thorough clean-up and inspection of the path. Ng acknowledged that certain areas might have been overlooked, leading to the unfortunate accidents that took place during the cycling event.
Retired cyclist and event ambassador, Wong Kam-po, expressed his thoughts on the matter, stating that the roads met the necessary specifications for the races. He attributed most of the accidents to collisions among cyclists, emphasizing the importance of experience and control while riding in such competitions.
Wong highlighted the potential for improvement with more experience, suggesting that some participants might lack the necessary skills or composure to navigate the racecourse effectively. Despite the challenges faced during the Sha Tin Cycling Festival, he expressed optimism for future competitions in Hong Kong and hoped to see more events taking place in the region.
