CWG 2022: Indian Cyclist Vishvajeet Singh Makes Narrow Escape From Horrific Crash In Scratch Race

Indian cyclist Vishavjeet Singh, who qualified for the final in the men’s 15km scratch race, made a narrow escape from the horrific crash on Sunday afternoon.

Team India and Australia compete during Men's Scratch Race in CWG 2022

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi:  While India has grabbed back-to-back medals in weightlifting in the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022, the cycling event resulted in a horrific experience for the participants and the audience as Olympic champion Matt Walls of England suffered stitches, scrapes and bruises after crashing over the barriers and  Indian cyclist Vishavjeet Singh, who qualified for the final in the men’s 15km scratch race, made a narrow escape from the horrific crash that grabbed the spotlight.

The incident took place on Sunday afternoon when the cyclists were into their final leg of the 10-lap qualifying scratch race. Eight riders collided on the track at the Lee Valley Velo Park in London.

24-year-old Matt Walls of England suffered injuries as he crashed over the barriers. Isle of Man’s Matt Bostock and Canada’s Derek Gee were also taken to hospital after suffering minor injuries, according to a PTI report. 

Spectators were also injured, with one being taken away in a wheelchair as cyclists and bikes flew into the crowd, said team India cycling coach Dayalram Jatt.

Narrating the incident Jatt said Singh was just behind the pack but he showed the presence of mind and moved away by braking in time. 

“It requires tremendous skill to brake in time in that rush of blood and he did exactly that to stop behind as bikes flew into the barriers. It was simply horrific, I never saw such an accident. We were left shaking in fear for some time,” Jatt told PTI from London.

Vishavjeet, however, made sure that he reached a historic final for the first time in a multi-sport event.

In the final consisting of 60 laps, Singh was going strong but fell behind in the final lap and incurred a penalty point to be labelled “did not finish (DNF)”.

“But overall, I’m happy for Singh to have survived the crash and make the final,” the coach said. 

(with PTI inputs)