British Paralympic cyclist injured in hit-and-run

Simon Richardson, who won three medals in Beijing, is in a critical condition after a van apparently hit him in Bridgend A gold-medal-winning Paralympic cyclist is in a critical condition after a hit-and-run incident with a van. Simon Richardson, who won two gold medals and a silver at the 2008 Beijing games, was cycling near Bridgend on Wednesday morning when he was apparently struck by a white van and thrown to the side of the road. The 44-year-old was taken by air ambulance to the University of Wales hospital in Cardiff, where he is undergoing treatment for multiple injuries. His wife said he was in a “critical but stable condition”. A 59-year-old man from the Cowbridge area has been arrested. Inspector Tony McAlinden said: “South Wales police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision that occurred at approximately 9.40am on Wednesday 17 August at the A48 Crack Hill, outside Crack Hill House, Bridgend. “The Welsh Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson MBE was involved in the road traffic accident. He was apparently struck by a small white van travelling in the same direction. “The van did not stop and continued east along the A48 in the general direction of Cowbridge.” Two cars were later involved in a crash at the same scene – a black Toyota Avensis, driven by a 43-year-old man, and a gold Rover 25, driven by a 74-year-old woman. McAlinden added: “The ambulance service attended the scene and provided assistance and treatment to both Mr Richardson and the female driver.” Police appealed for anyone who saw the collision or provided assistance, or who saw a white van leaving the area, to contact them. In 2001, Richardson, of Porthcawl, was seriously injured in a cycling incident with a car while out with friends from a cycling club. It left him with serious leg and back injuries and no feeling down his left side. He continued to cycle with an adapted bike powered by his right leg after doctors said it would help his rehabilitation. He won Britain’s first gold at Beijing after setting a world record at the LC3/4 1km time trial and received the MBE in 2009. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact South Wales police in Gwaelod y Garth, Cardiff, on 02920 633438 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Wales Paralympics 2012 Cycling Crime guardian.co.uk

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