Cyclists urged to support Paralympian Simon Richardson

Simon Richardson is a double Paralympic champion

Cyclists are being urged to show their backing for Paralympic champion Simon Richardson, who was seriously hurt in an alleged hit and run while training.

His sponsor Phil Jones is asking cyclists to encourage safer riding by printing out a poster he has designed in support of Mr Richardson.

The 44-year-old is in a critical but stable condition after being involved in a collision with a van.

A 59-year-old driver has been released on police bail after being arrested.

Mr Jones wrote that he wants cyclists to take out the poster - available on his blog about Mr Richardson - on rides this weekend and send in pictures taken with it.

Mr Richardson, who won two gold medals and a silver at Beijing in 2008, suffered multiple fractures in the collision while cycling near Bridgend earlier this month.

Mr Jones said in his blog that doctors removed the cyclist's ventilator for a short time on Friday.

It was done to establish whether he was able to breathe independently "but their conclusion was that his lung was not yet strong enough".

However, the cyclist is said to be a "bit more responsive".