Top cyclist McLean in hospital again after incident during road race

Top cyclist Christine Mclean had to endure another painful trip to hospital at the weekend, only three weeks after being forced off the road at Cunningsburgh by a large blue truck.

McLean, last year’s Scottish 50-mile time trial champion, was away defending her title at Invergordon when a car pulled out of a junction in front of her, causing her to crash. The driver stopped but then drove off, leaving a stunned Christine lying injured on the road.

Without thinking, a battered and bruised McLean eventually picked herself up and continued on her way. She was only three miles into her ride but a steely determination kept her going. The incident cost her several minutes, and the pain in her shoulder and hip made it difficult to push hard on the pedals.

She kept going, spending the next two hours catching the surprised riders who had passed her while she was down. She was shattered and in tears as she crossed the finish line in a time of two hours and eight minutes for the 50-mile event.

Her courageous efforts resulted in a second place, earning her a silver medal and the admiration from the riders and helpers present.

McLean had already missed out on the Scottish 25-mile and British 50-mile championships because of her Cunningsburgh injuries.

She was confident she had recovered enough to be a challenger in this weekend’s event, but now has to try and come to terms with another set of injuries and another missed medal opportunity in the British 100-mile championship in Yorkshire.