A BROADWAY man’s hopes of competing at an Ironman event in Miami are in jeopardy after he was knocked off his bike by a car during training.
Warren Mantle was due to fly out to Florida in just four weeks time but his hopes of taking part are in doubt after he was run off the road in Childswickham by a 4×4 on Sunday, September 11.
The 44-year-old was left with road rash on his back and shoulder and a separated clavicle and had to take two weeks off work as a result of his injuries.
Despite being injured, he was also forced to cycle one-handed for two miles to get home as the car drove off and left him at the side of the road.
Speaking to the Observer, Mr Mantle described the moment he only just missed the 4×4 which was heading straight towards him.
“The road which I was on was a narrow road, but there is plenty of room,” he said.
“I’ve met cars going down there before and there is plenty of room to pass.
“I moved over as far as I could safely. The car just carried on coming straight towards me down the middle of the road which doesn’t give enough room unless the car moves over.
“I had to go off onto some gravel and the front wheel went out and I came off.
The keen cyclist, who is also a member of Evesham Vale Triathletes, is now unable to train for what would have been his first Ironman event as a result of his injuries.
“I was training for an Ironman which is now very unlikely because I can’t cycle just because the jolting hurts my shoulder. I also can’t run or swim as I can’t lift my arm over my shoulder.
Mr Mantle has also called on motorists to be more aware of cyclists and to make sure they keep to the legal distance when overtaking a cyclist.
“I appreciate that getting stuck behind a bike is annoying for motorists, nobody wants to be travelling along at 20mph if they should be travelling at 60mph, but you have to give cyclists room,” he added.
“It’s the legal limit that you’re suppose to give cyclists one and a half metres, which isn’t always possible on some of the smaller roads, but you need to slow down a bit and give them as much room as possible.”
