British cyclist Neah Evans faced a setback in her quest for a gold medal in the women’s omnium after a crash during the scratch race. The Team GB athlete lost control while riding between two other cyclists and finished last in the race. Despite fears that she may have hit her head, Evans was able to get back on her bike and complete the race. However, this crash puts her at a disadvantage in the overall competition, where the winner is determined by the most points accumulated in the four races of the omnium.
In addition to Evans, fellow Team GB cyclist Hamish Turnbull also experienced a collision during the men’s keirin race on Sunday. A German cyclist fell and clipped Turnbull’s wheel, causing him to crash into the barrier. While both riders were able to stand up, Turnbull appeared to be in discomfort and did not advance to the final of the keirin race.
These incidents add to a series of crashes involving Team GB cyclists at the Olympics, including the controversial collision between Ollie Wood and Dutch rider Jan Williem van Schip. Wood was seemingly headbutted by van Schip during the race, resulting in a hard fall for the British cyclist. The Dutch team was disqualified, and van Schip was fined for improper conduct.
Wood described the incident as unexpected and painful, emphasizing the risks involved in track cycling and the need for heightened awareness among riders. The physical toll of such crashes was evident in his swollen knee and overall discomfort following the collision.
These unfortunate events serve as a reminder of the intense competition and potential dangers faced by Olympic cyclists. The resilience and determination shown by athletes like Neah Evans, Hamish Turnbull, and Ollie Wood highlight the courage required to compete at the highest level of the sport, where split-second decisions can have significant consequences.