Lee Valley velodrome owners to ‘explore’ safety after Marchant crash

The London velodrome that has seen two crashes involving cyclists being catapulted into the crowd says it will “explore what else can be done to improve rider and spectator safety”.

Last weekend British Olympic champion Katy Marchant broke her wrist and dislocated two fingers after she and a German rider crashed into the crowd at the track, which is in Lee Valley VeloPark.

Four spectators were treated for injuries, but only Marchant required hospital treatment.

This followed a high-speed crash at the same track, on the same bend, during the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, when England’s Matt Walls flew over the barriers into the crowd.

In light of that incident, the venue spent £250,000 installing a Perspex screen in August, raising the barrier height from 50cm to 1.4m.

The venue has always complied with UCI regulations.

Under new rules, all newly built velodromes will have to have similar protective screens.

In a statement to BBC Sport, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “First and foremost, our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the unfortunate incident on Saturday evening. It was a truly unsettling occurrence and we understand the distress it must have caused to everyone involved.

“We are pleased to hear that Katy Marchant is in good spirits and that the necessary measures are being taken to follow up with impacted spectators.

“The safety of riders and spectators is an absolute priority for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Our next major event is in autumn 2025 and we will work with event partners to explore what else can be done at the venue to improve rider and event spectator safety within the rules and technical regulations which govern track cycling.

“Structural engineers checked the barrier on Sunday, 8 December, and it is undamaged, and the track reopened as planned to the public on Monday.”