Six injured in city centre cycle race crashes
The women's elite race had to be stopped while ambulances treated an injured cyclist
- Published
Six riders were taken to hospital after crashing during the Sheffield Grand Prix on Wednesday night.
The event took place on a course around the city centre, with thousands of people watching the racing.
Organiser Marc Etches said it was the first time this year there had been serious crashes during the British Cycling National Circuit Race Series.
"We were just unlucky last night. [The athletes] are doing better than expected," he added.
The course, which covers 1.4km (0.87 miles) of the city centre, saw riders tackle cobbles and pass landmarks such as the Crucible Theatre and town hall.
A number of crashes happened on the "widest, straightest parts of the course not on the corners," Mr Etches added.
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"The tolerances are literally millimetres, it's that close. Once one goes down, because they're so close sadly they all go down together," he said.
"Maybe misjudgement by riders or just bad luck."
The women's race was halted for about 20 minutes after one crash while the delays meant the men's race had to be shortened due to the failing light.
A record-breaking number of spectators are thought to have watched the races
Mr Etches described the crowds as "unbelievable", with a record number of people turning out to watch the elite racers,
"Some of the support riders in the races before the elites said they couldn't believe the atmosphere. They said it was just amazing to get that support," he told the BBC.
"They really welcomed the riders and it does make a difference and they really enjoyed."
Sheffield has previously held parts of the Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire, but the shorter circuit racing meant for constant action for spectators.
Next year's event was already being planned with sponsors expressing an interest in being involved.
However, with ongoing works on Fargate and Pinstone Street, it may mean an altered course, Mr Etches said.
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- Published17 July
