Commonwealth Games cyclists taken to hospital, spectators injured after velodrome crash

Three cyclists have been taken to hospital and spectators have been injured following a horrific crash during a heat of the men’s scratch race at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

England’s Matt Walls and Isle of Man’s Matt Bostock were involved in the crash along with several other riders.

Walls was catapulted over the barriers and into the crowd at the Lee Valley VeloPark. The 24-year-old received treatment for more than 40 minutes before leaving the velodrome in an ambulance.

Spectators were also hurt after Walls and his bike came over the top of the barriers on the high banking at a corner of the track.

Walls was trying to avoid riders who had failed in a crash lower down the banking, but he clipped another wheel and went over the top.

“Three cyclists and two spectators have been treated by the onsite medical team,” a Birmingham 2022 statement read.

“The three cyclists have been taken to hospital. The two spectators did not require hospital treatment.”

England team officials said Walls was to undergo “precautionary checks” in hospital.

The remainder of the morning Commonwealth Games cycling session was canceled and spectators were asked to leave the velodrome.