England’s Matt Walls was involved in a horrific incident at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday when he was catapulted over the barriers and into the crowd at Lee Valley VeloPark. Isle of Man rider Matthew Bostock and Canadian Derek Gee were also taken to hospital, while two spectators were treated for minor injuries at the velodrome.
Walls received treatment for more than 40 minutes before being taken away in an ambulance, with spectators also injured after he and his bike went over the top of the barriers at the corner’s high bank.
The 24-year-old Olympic omnium champion was trying to avoid riders who had crashed further down the incline, but as he was going up he hooked another wheel and went over.
Witnesses said that due to the slope of the slope, spectators in the front row were not seen during the crash. A man received treatment for cuts to his hand, while a young girl also received minor attention.
Gee also surfed the top of the barrier but was able to avoid following Walls into the stands but fell heavily once back on the banking. Canadian Mathias Guillemette was disqualified for causing the initial crash.
A statement from Birmingham 2022 read: “Three cyclists and two spectators were treated by the medical team on site. The three cyclists were taken to hospital. The two spectators did not require hospital treatment.” Photo: John Walton/Pennsylvania
In a statement, a Birmingham 2022 spokesperson said: “Following a crash during the morning track and para-track cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark, three cyclists and two spectators were treated by the medical team on site. The three cyclists were taken to hospital. The two spectators did not require hospital treatment. We would like to extend our best wishes to the cyclists and spectators involved in this incident and thank the medical team for their quick response.
British Cycling later tweeted: “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 further information when we can.”
Further information from the England team about the walls read: “Matt is alert and talking (as he has been throughout) and receiving medical treatment in hospital.”
The rest of the morning session at the velodrome was canceled and spectators were asked to leave as medical staff attended to Walls.
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