Ireneusz Bartkow had a very lucky escape this week after he was hit from behind by a vehicle. The driver failed to stop. The father of two was rushed to hospital after suffering a fractured spine.
By Brian Canty
A club cyclist had a very lucky escape this week after he was the victim of a hit-and-run while out training.
Gardaí in Wexford are investigating the incident, which took place on Monday evening as Ireneusz Bartkow was riding to Rosslare from Wexford.
Around eight miles into his ride, Bartkow was hit from behind by a vehicle travelling in the same direction. The vehicle subsequently failed to stop.
The father-of-two, who is from Poland and has been living in Ballymena for 10 years, managed to raise the alarm when he arrived at a nearby house where a family called an ambulance.
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Bartkow, who took up cycling two years ago with VC Glendale, was immediately rushed to hospital where has spent the last five days.
He suffered a compact fracture to his spine while he also has significant road rash all over his body.
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It is understood the Gardaí examined the scene of the incident on the night and, according to one source, they picked up small items including a window wiper and various other bits from a car.
Pieces from the injured VC Glendale man’s helmet were also found on the road and his bike was destroyed in the collision.
Anyone with any information can contact the Garda station in Wexford on 0916 5200.
Bartkow can count himself lucky to have come out of this one. He suffered a fractured spine as well as severe road rash and bruising, some of which is visible on his face.
His shorts were ruined and the extent of the damage underlines the force at which he hit the road last Monday night, January 23rd.
His jersey also shows the marks of the crash.
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