Cycling horror as two fans airlifted to hospital and five more injured after stars crash

A horror high-speed crash left several fans injured and forced the German Track Cycling Championships to be abandoned on Sunday evening. Two cyclists were sent flying over a barrier and into spectators while riding at a speed of around 35mph.

Fortunately for the cyclists, they are said to have escaped with only minor injuries. However, 10 fans are understood to have suffered injuries. Two were airlifted to hospital following the horrific incident. Eight others were hurt, with some reported by German outlets to be serious, after the athletes came hurtling into the crowd. Two emergency helicopters, six ambulances and and a doctor were at the scene. The final day of the German Track Cycling Championships was taking place in Dudenhofen, western Germany.

The day's racing was immediately halted so that medical personnel could attend to those who were injured. Resuming the cycling action is said to have been not an option. It is unclear when, or if, the final day of the Championships will recommence. The accident took place during the latter stages of the semi-finals of the elite Kierin race.

"The health of athletes and spectators always comes first. Cancelling the event was therefore unavoidable. Best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to all those injured," said German Cycling marketing and communications officer Oliver Streich.

Chairman of Dudenhofen Cycling Club, Jens Hartwig, said: "I'm shocked by the accident. We've had a cycling festival here in Dudenhofen for five days. Of course, no-one wanted the event to end like this. I wish everyone involved a speedy and full recovery."

The crash has been blamed on a 'riding error' that took place as cyclists were battling for positions four, five and six. Patrick Moster, sports director of the German Cycling Federation, added in an interview with SWR Sport: "It was a relatively high speed, where you have to have the bike very well under control. Then a riding error occurred, resulting in this crash."

Thomas Hauser, director of the Vorderpfalz rescue service, said: "A cyclist flew over the guardrail and several spectators were injured. There are a total of twelve victims, including the cyclists themselves. Two more seriously injured people were transported by helicopter to nearby hospitals. Another eight injured people, who were in the spectator area, were taken to nearby hospitals with abrasions and cuts."