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Commonwealth Games cyclists taken to hospital, spectators injured after velodrome crash

Matt Walls and his bike cleared the barrier surrounding the track during the crash. (Getty Images/PA Images: John Walton)

Three cyclists have been taken to hospital and spectators have been injured following a horrific crash during a heat of the men's scratch race at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

England's Matt Walls and Isle of Man's Matt Bostock were involved in the crash along with several other riders.

Walls was catapulted over the barriers and into the crowd at the Lee Valley VeloPark. The 24-year-old received treatment for more than 40 minutes before leaving the velodrome in an ambulance.

England's Matt Walls heads for the barrier trying to avoid riders who had fallen in a crash lower down the banking. (AP: Ian Walton)
The 24-year-old Englishmen heads into the crowd as his Canadian opponent approaches from behind.  (AP: Ian Walton)
The crowd desperately try to steer clear of Walls. (AP: Ian Walton)

Spectators were also hurt after Walls and his bike came over the top of the barriers on the high banking at a corner of the track.

Walls was trying to avoid riders who had fallen in a crash lower down the banking, but he clipped another wheel and went over the top.

Walls lays horizontal among the shocked crowd.  (AP: Ian Walton)
Riders had also fallen in a crash lower down the banking.  (AP: Ian Walton)
The aftermath of the crash was a heartbreaking sight.  (AAP Image: Will Palmer)

"Three cyclists and two spectators have been treated by the onsite medical team," a Birmingham 2022 statement read.

More gold for Australia on Day 3 in Birmingham

"The three cyclists have been taken to hospital. The two spectators did not require hospital treatment."

England team officials said Walls was to undergo "precautionary checks" in hospital.

The remainder of the morning Commonwealth Games cycling session was cancelled and spectators were asked to leave the velodrome.

British cycling later tweeted an update.

"Following medical treatment in hospital, Matt Walls has been discharged with stitches in his forehead, but thankfully no major injuries.

"Our best wishes go to all riders and spectators involved in the crash and thanks go to the medical teams for their expert care."

The Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association also released an update on Matt Bostock, saying he had been taken to hospital for further assessment.

"A CT scan was done and the initial prognosis is positive," the Isle of Man CGA said.

"Matt is now being further assessed by a specialist to confirm that he has suffered no serious injuries."

Walls won Olympic gold for Great Britain in Tokyo last year in the men's omnium.

The crash came a day after Australia's Matt Glaetzer collided with England's Joe Truman on the banked corner during the second round of the men's keirin.

Both riders hit the ground at more than 70 kilometres per hour, with the Englishman losing consciousness on impact.

Glaetzer was able to pick himself up and limp away, with his thin race suit in tatters.

Truman slid to a stop on his front and lay motionless for several, worrying minutes amid a concerned hush at the usually raucous velodrome. 

Glaetzer returned to the velodrome on Sunday to compete in the qualifying stage of the men's sprint.

Reuters/ABC

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