The Canberra Times

This is the story that was in the Canberra newspaper today.

30 April 2007

Cyclists injured in tour collision
Jessica Wright

A horror smash between a group of female road race cyclists and a four-wheel-drive vehicle near Stromlo Forest yesterday added to a tragic weekend on Canberra roads, which included the death of a 43-year-old woman.

When road race officials reached the site of the cyclists' pile-up on the Cotter Road shortly before 10am, several female cyclists lay injured on the road. One woman had catapulted directly into the oncoming car and had serious injuries.

The crash occurred as a group of riders crested a hill on the notoriously winding road.

Canberra Tour spokeswoman Tanya Saad said 25 cyclists had collided while on a twisting section of the road and had been thrown into the path of the 4WD.

"The majority of the bunch did come down but only a few riders came into the course of the oncoming car. One woman came off her bike and was in flight when she came into contact with the front side of the bull bar."

Three women were taken to hospital with one cyclist, of Sydney, in a critical condition.

The race was suspended immediately and all competitors checked for injuries and given counselling.

The driver of the 4WD was interviewed at the scene and police are conducting an investigation. No charges are expected to be laid.

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