Lucy Buckingham says scans on her elbow and hip “came back ok” after what she describes as a collision with a car when she led IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain late into the bike leg last week.
The British star, winner of two 70.3 races this season, led the swim and had extended her advantage on the bike when the incident occurred.
‘I struggled to run properly’
And writing on Instagram two days after the race, she said: “Thanks for the messages, I’m doing ok, scans on my elbow and hip came back ok.
“Recap: I was really pleased with my swim and bike, finally feeling myself.
“Unfortunately around 80km on the bike, a car came onto the course and we collided, taking me off my bike. All pretty scary at 45kmph, with adrenaline I managed to get up and continue, but I struggled to run properly.
“I’m working with Ironman to figure out how this happened.
“Well done to all fellow pros racing, stay safe.”
IRONMAN provide statement
Remarkably Buckingham still managed to clock the fastest bike split and then complete the race by running a half marathon, crossing the line in seventh place.
We asked IRONMAN for a statement and they told us: “We are aware of an incident that occurred on the bike portion of Friday’s IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain involving a vehicle and professional athlete Lucy Buckingham.
“The course set up included a dedicated bike lane for athletes that was coned off from traffic traveling in the same direction. It is our understanding based on witness accounts that a vehicle was struck from behind by another, causing it to partially enter the course. We are continuing to support the local authorities as they further investigate the accident.
“We are thankful that Lucy was not more seriously injured and was able to complete the race in what is a very scary situation. The safety, security, and well-being of our athletes is paramount, and we will continue to work with local authorities, agencies, and host venues to do everything in our power to produce the safest events possible.”
The race last year saw leader Holly Lawrence “led the wrong way by moto” according to her Bahrain Victorious Team, which resulted in her riding “an extra four miles”.
Lawrence had won the previous three editions of the event and she posted afterwards: “Sorry if you saw me angry out there – was very stressful and honestly scary riding amongst all the cars on the highway and trying to find a way to get back on the course!”
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