British rider Dan McLay (Fortuneo-Vital Concept) won the final race of the Challenge Mallorca series yesterday – Trofeo Palma – but needed to attend hospital afterwards after colliding with a photographer.
McLay proved fastest at the end of the 160-kilometre race, outsprinting Matteo Pelucchi (Bora – Hansgrohe), Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis, Solutions Crédits) and André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) to take his first win of the season.
Unfortunately for the Briton, he crashed into one of the photographers standing behind the finish line. McLay appeared to be badly hurt at first before getting to his feet a few minutes after the crash. He was seen by a doctor before being taken to hospital for an x-ray and further examinations.
McLay suffered a badly cut lower lip and broke a number of teeth. The photographer received a number of grazes also.
McLay posted a message on Instagram to confirm that his injuries were not as serious as had been initially feared. “Super happy to win today in mallorca! The team was excellent! Regarding the crash after the line, i’m fine! Still a beautiful as ever and the moustache remains intact!”
La llegada de hoy en la Challenge de Mallorca. Qué vergüenza. pic.twitter.com/Vm4TMWj37A
— Sergio (@Ciclismo2005) January 29, 2017
McLay was unable to attend the podium ceremonies and his Fortunéo-Vital Concept teammates collected the winner’s trophy on his behalf.
“It was shit about the crash but it’s pretty cool the guys who did all the hard work were actually the ones on the podium! @fortuneovitalconcept” McLay said afterwards.
Why the hell was the photographer out that far that close to the finish line anyway? If I was Dan McLay, I would sue the shit out of him.
Why the hell were they allowed to stand there?! Idiotic!! The huge crowd off to the side was bad enough!
Race management have a lot to answer for in this case!
Idiot photographer
Mark Weldon
Cock up
As if bike racing isn’t dangerous enough without the additional hazards of motorbikes and now photographers.
Dick
Ha ha ha