Cyclist dies after 94.7 Cycle Challenge

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - Nov 16 2009 17:09

A cyclist died from cardiac arrest shortly after crossing the finishing line in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge in Johannesburg on Sunday.

"Richard Sydney Stevens (55) from Alberton collapsed at the finish line just ahead of the final cut-off. He was immediately rushed to Sunninghill Hospital by Netcare 911 and paramedics performed CPR for the duration of the journey," Primedia Broadcasting said in a statement on Monday.

"Accident and emergency doctors conducted prolonged resuscitation, but Mr Stevens did not regain consciousness and was declared dead at the hospital, where his family was present," said Dr Anchen Laubscher, principal medical officer at Netcare 911 and chief medical officer for the Cycle Challenge.

"It was a very gruelling race. People all became dehydrated even if they drank a lot of water," she said.

A second cyclist in his 50s was operated on Monday for head injuries after he fell off his bike during the race.

"He was immediately treated by paramedics on the route and the medical helicopter was dispatched. He was airlifted to Milpark Hospital and is currently in a critical condition in ICU," said Laubscher.

Race organisers confirmed that 12 other cyclists were admitted to hospital for treatment, but all are in a stable condition. -- Sapa

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