The Ulster, and indeed national, cycle community is digesting some very tragic news today after it emerged veteran rider Ted McKibben had crashed at the Magherafelt GP and been paralysed from the waist down.
It appears the Dromara CC rider managed to avoid a crash in the group he was in but then hit the windscreen of an oncoming car. He was treated at the scene and taken by ambulance to Antrim Area Hospital.
Ted has since been transferred for more specialist treatment to the Royal Victoria in Belfast, with his club Dromara CC confirming on its website that the collision in the race has left him paralysed.
The accident occurred in the closing stages of the 32-mile Masters’-Women’s race yesterday. The crash caused a blockage in the road which forced the promoting club Spires CC to halt the A & B races already underway on the same course in Derry-Londonderry. The club was promoting its first ever race, with the A race for A1/A2/A3 riders and the B race for A4s, as well as the Masters’-Women’s event.
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The larger races were stopped before they arrived at the scene of the Masters’-Women’s crash and the riders were turned around to race headquarters at Loup GAC club.
Initially when the riders fell, it was not immediately clear that the crash had had such serious consequences. This, and the fact the race was almost over when the collision occurred, led to a situation where the Masters’-Women’s event continued to completion.
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However, once the gravity of the accident was established, the decision was made to call off the other races. The secretary of Dromara CC, Martin Grimley said he had gotten into the hospital to see Ted last night.
"He was in good spirits considering. For those of you who know Ted well you will know his fighter attitude. He did thank those who helped him (yesterday). I relayed the well wishes I have received to pass onto him. We should spare a thought for the motorist who was involved."
There were reports from the scene that the road was greasy, possibly as a result of salt that had been spread in recent times to prevent icy conditions.
As well as the crash in which Ted McKibben was injured, there were also a number of other collisions; with one rider reported to have suffered a broken collarbone and another a dislocated shoulder and bruised lung.
From all at stickybottle we would like to extend our thoughts and best wishes with Ted, his family, team mates and all of those as Spires CC.
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