FOUR riders were taken to hospital, including two who were knocked unconscious, after they crashed during a cycling club training run on Saturday at Panmure.
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Road conditions on the Princes Highway have been linked to the pile-up.
They were in a bunch of about 20 members of the Warrnambool Veterans Cycling Club when the lead rider hit a sharp rise on the roadway edge and was thrown off, bringing down following riders. Club member Barry Warren, who was knocked unconscious and suffered abrasions and a bruised back, said they were riding single-file when the incident happened about 8am near Younger Lane.
Bill Murphy was also knocked out and heavily concussed. He was still in Warrnambool Base Hospital yesterday, along with Jenny Noonan, who suffered three broken ribs and a broken collarbone. Clive Coomber also suffered back injuries.
“It’s very unusual, just one of those unfortunate things,” Mr Warren said.
“One rider hit a sharp bitumen push-up and it brought him down and three others as well. The bump could have something to do with the heat affecting the road surface.
“I was knocked unconscious and the first thing I remember is a lady who pulled up to assist us and asked how I was feeling.
“A lot of people stopped to help. It could have been a lot worse if we fell into the path of a vehicle.”
The group had set out from Warrnambool at 7.15am.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said three crews attended to assist the victims.
pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au
