A shocking crash during the Track Champions League at Lee Valley VeloPark in London resulted in British Olympic champion Katy Marchant and German rider Alessa-Catriona Propster flying over the barriers and colliding with spectators. The high-speed accident led to the immediate suspension of all further races for the evening.
The crash occurred during the second heat of the women’s keirin race when Marchant and Propster veered off the track at high velocity. Both riders, along with their bikes, collided with fans seated trackside. British Cycling confirmed that Marchant, 31, and Propster, along with four spectators, were treated by event medics. Marchant was later transported to the hospital for further medical evaluation.
In a joint statement, British Cycling, WBD Sports, Lee Valley VeloPark, and the Union Cycliste Internationale announced their unanimous decision to cancel the remaining races. They extended well-wishes for the swift recovery of both riders and the injured spectators.
The statement read: “We are working closely with all parties to review the incident and will take appropriate action moving forward.”
This incident marks the second major crash at Lee Valley VeloPark in recent years. In the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a high-speed collision involving multiple cyclists caused England’s Matt Walls to be thrown over the barriers into the crowd.
Following that crash, the venue installed a £250,000, 1.4-meter safety barrier earlier this year in an effort to improve trackside protection. Despite the upgrade, Saturday’s collision raised concerns over track safety protocols.
Marchant, a gold medalist in the Team Sprint event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, remains a significant figure in British cycling. Fans and officials alike are closely monitoring updates regarding her condition.
The Track Champions League, a premier cycling event, features elite cyclists from around the globe competing in various disciplines. The abrupt halt to Saturday’s races highlights the risks associated with high-speed cycling events, even with enhanced safety measures in place.
