Crashes force 5 riders out of points race cycling

Riders collide during the women's points race cycling at the ongoing Asian Games in Guangzhou Nov 16, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - Two crashes forced five riders out of the Asian Games women's points race and injured at least three on Tuesday.

In the first crash, which took place minutes after the start, the fallen cyclists suffered slight injuries and got on their bikes to continue the race.

Then happened the second crash, which brought down five riders including Chinese Diao Xiaojuan and Tang Kerong and South Korean Na Ah-Reum, who were all unable to move and received treatment on the floor.

Chinese Liu Xin won the race with 34 points and Hong Kong rider Wong Wan Yiu took silver with Thai Chanpeng Montasin picking up bronze.

Hong Kong rider Wong Wan Yiu is helped off the podium in a wheelchair after the victory ceremony for the women’s points race cycling at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou Nov 16, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tang Kerong, whose head and elbow were bandaged, was rushed to a nearby hospital.

The post-race press conference was cancelled and the race organizers declined to comment on the injuries of the fallen riders.