The Crash Video

[-Adam-]

Should the marhsal not have been able to stop a cyclist/ at least warn the cyclist to get the fcuk out the way?

Now i no full well i cut corners like that guy has (when im out training), but no way if i knew there was a race on, which perhaps the marshalls could have made clearer?

Either way, I totally agree with Marek, in that 'thats bike racing in the UK' for you. Its almost everyman for himself. But in no way is that the fault of the organisers like the Surrey League.

I blame Tony Blair

[John Czernobay]

Oh George, that is awful brother. It sounded bad from your posts but now to see it. What were the Marshalls etc doing? We are all thinking of you George, you take it easy.

Best wishes.
JohnCz..

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

You have to remember that marshals are volunteers, receive no training to speak of and are just trying to do their best.

Essex (and wales I think) are trialling a system whereby the accredited marshals have the same powers as a police officer to stop traffic. They place signs near to each junction explaining this to motorists. I can't wait for it to be rolled out to our Division.

Lots of whatifs, and plenty of 20/20 hindsight, but from the video, it just appears to be one of those "freak occurrences" that no-one could have reasonably foreseen.

In fact the guy coming through behind George appears to be on a suicide mission, riding as if in France.

Chalk that one up and get back soon George

[George]

I think it really was indeed just a freaky accident, I just didn't expect to see another cyclist coming fast round the corner straight for me

Now the marshals probably could have done better by standing in the correct places and warning the traffic better, but really they are just volunteers and the onus is on the riders even though it is a road race, without the marshals we wouldn't have a race at all.

I cringe/feel sick when I listen to the crash but just looking at it's not so bad.

I was just very lucky indeed not to sustain any permanent damage, and count my blessings that I'll make a full recovery.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

and the wheels are alright - that's the main thing

[George]

Yes they are strong wheels them Bora's, only bike damage was a bottle cage

[sid_day]

You had a nice gap too. At least that was caught on film.

I started to cringe as you sat up, hit the brakes and your bike squrimed over the road.

I can't help think that if a Marshall was stood there things might have been a bit different.

Just as a note the marshalling on the Circuit of Kent yesterday was very good and they had several motorbike riders; all very good IMO.

[kieran]

when I was on holiday in the Jura mountains (France) this year we came across a local cycle race (similar to surrey league events) the marshals had blocked off one road with concrete blocks, sitting on them and drinking! We were on our bikes so stopped to look as the race went by. Anytime a car came it would stop at the barrier and talk to the marshals who would then make a gap in it for the car to go through when safe. We cycled down the race route towards the peloton, keeping watch for them as they had the whole road to themselves! I was so jealous! The road surface was great as well, lovely area with lots of hills and plateaux (for some flat racing). Traffic was also minimal on these minor roads. If only!

[John the old'un]

[quote="mrpvt"]You have to remember that marshals are volunteers, receive no training to speak of and are just trying to do their best.

"freak occurrences" that no-one could have reasonably foreseen.

I agree, but I know that anyone marshalling there could have reasonably foreseen the possibility of an accident occurring as soon as he saw both riders, and yes, he should have seen both riders, because as soon as he saw one, he should be looking to see if the road was clear, and then would have seen the other rider. Then BOTH George and the other guy involved would have heard a shout of warning. I am fully aware that the marshal has no authority, but surely he has a voice.
Don't we all shout warnings when on a clubrun and arrive at a junction?

[Yohan]

..just watched the video....sent shivers down my spine seeing it, especially as I know the extent of your injuries


I was gonna say track racing was safer than road racing, but then i remembered a race at Anne Fairy's where some kids threw a bike frame onto the curcuit mid race!

[-Adam-]

I was speaking to another Army 3 day this afternoon, and he felt the general organisation at the race was not up to the usual standard of the surrey league.

Run like the military but without the precision was his general opinion...