At least 11 cyclists hurt at Hong Kong festival, as organisers admit oversights

At least 11 riders have been injured in two separate accidents at a Hong Kong cycling festival, with two sent to hospital, as organisers admitted preparations for the event were insufficient.

Participants of the Sha Tin Cycling Festival’s race in the professional category started at 6.30am on Sunday at Yuen Wo Road, racing around the Shek Mun River for 25 laps. During the second lap, a cyclist lost control in front of the first aid station and crashed into a marquee.

More than 10 other competitors riding close behind were affected, with most able to get back on their feet and continue the race.

But two suffered more serious injuries and lay on the road to receive medical treatment. Both were fitted with neck braces and stretchered off to be taken to hospital.

The organisers received 784 sign-ups, with 739 cyclists turning up on Sunday for the festival, an event marking the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

The race, the first such event in Sha Tin, was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Flash Exchange Association, the Hong Kong China Sports Popularisation and Development Association, and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong Sha Tin branch.