Excerpt of news story by Agence France Presse, originally published July 19, 2005:
Quote:
Top Australian cyclist Amy Gillett was killed and five compatriots injured on Monday when a car plowed into them when they were training in eastern Germany.
Gillett, 29, took up competitive cycling in 2000, having rowed for Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Gillett won bronze in the 2005 Australian road time trial championship and had been racing at top level for five years.
"Amy was a unique athlete who represented at the elite level in two sports," Australia Olympic Committee president John Coates said in a statement.
The injured were evacuated by helicopter to five hospitals around Leipzig following the incident.
Louise Yaxley and Alexis Rhodes were [critically injured and] in intensive care with multiple injuries:
-- Louise Yaxley, 20, suffered "major trauma" that required surgery
-- Alexis Rhodes, 23, had a thoracic fracture and serious concussion.
Katie Brown, Kate Nichols and Lorian Graham were listed in stable condition:
-- Katie Brown, 22, had a badly fractured leg
-- Kate Nichols, 20, sustained soft tissue damage and torn tendons in her hand
-- Lorian Graham, 27, had multiple fractures of her knees, fingers and both collarbones.
The riders were loosening up after a long drive from Italy and checking out the time trial course for the Thuringen Rundfahrt, Germany's major women's tour, when an 18-year-old woman lost control of her car and struck the riders head-on.
|
Non-graphic photos of the accident aftermath. The carnage to the bikes is graphic and indicates how serious the riders were injured, as well). Photos via
BikeMojo.com):
Be careful out there, riders! Always wear a helmet, and always be vigilent! I had a bunch of jerks intentionally try to run me off the hike & bike path during an evening Mission Trail ride yesterday -- immature boys (men) including one on a motorcycle riding on a the non-motorized exercise path. Sigh... :mad:
Aussie Bike Team Run Over in Germany
Linear Mode
