Dutch National freelance photographer arrested after crash which left police officer with serious injuries
A MALE Dutch photographer has been arrested after a crash which left a police officer with serious injuries.
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A DUTCH freelance photographer covering the Tour Down Under has been arrested and charged with driving without due care after a crash which left a police officer with serious injuries.
The motorcycle officer was riding through Gumeracha conducting road closures for the tour when a car pulled out in front of him near the intersection of Albert Street and John Fisher Avenue..
The officer crashed into the car and was reportedly thrown over the bonnet.
He sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries in the crash and was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
He has since been discharged from hospital.
Following investigations police arrested the driver of the car, a 53-year-old Dutch National from the Netherlands who was working at a freelance reporter at the Tour Down Under.
He was charged with driving without due care and was granted police bail.
He will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court next week.
Earlier in the day, several officers on bikes had helped escort a group of cyclists who refused to skip the Bupa Challenge Tour despite its cancellation because of today’s extreme heat.
This morning police received reports that a large group of riders, including children, were blocking North East Rd at Chain of Ponds.
It is thought the riders were trying to complete the 137.4km journey from Norwood to Uradlia — which was cancelled by event organisers yesterday because of today’s anticipated 41C maximum.
The event had attracted almost 5000 amateur riders from across Australia, who were left frustrated by the decision to call off the event.
Some chose to ignore warnings and set off from Norwood today — with the mercury rising above 35C by 9.30am — despite any official rest and drink stations on the route.
While there were no injuries during the ride, a police officer on a motorbike was later struck by a car about midday at Gumeracha, while Tour Down Under riders were travelling through the area.
The officer was conscious and breathing after the crash and was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital by the MedSTAR emergency helicopter.
Carol Moore and Michele Bryant rode the 70 kilometres from Norwood to Uraidla after setting out at 5am, and admit many will think them “silly buggers” for their efforts.
“We’ve done it for many years, so we know what we’re up against ... “It was good, pretty warm towards the end,” Ms Moore said.
Despite surviving the trip, the pair said organisers had made the right call in cancelling the official ride.
Please don't ride the Bupa Challenge route today! The decision to cancel due to extreme weather conditions wasnât made lightly by organisers. There will be no facilities for riders including water, food, mechanical support, first aid, and there will be no road closures in place. https://t.co/RAlqqboBeZ
â SA Police News (@SAPoliceNews) January 18, 2018
The Bupa Challenge riders missed out on six refreshment stops before they eventually finished on Greenhill Rd near Soldiers Memorial Hall.
Road blocks to protect them on the ride and detour vehicles through the Adelaide Hills were also absent.
Assistant Commissioner and TDU police commander Scott Duval said the riders were monitored on their journey.
“Given the extreme heat, I would urge all riders to make sensible choices today — don’t put yourself or others at risk,” he said.
“There is some water available at the planned refreshment stations, but these are not staffed.”
Yesterday, Events SA executive director Hitaf Rasheed said the decision to call off the event was made to protect the safety of participants.
She said the wellbeing of amateur riders had to come first.
SA Health chief medical officer Paddy Phillips applauded the cancellation yesterday.
“Exercising for a couple of hours or more in 41C heat is a risk for anyone, let along those experienced cyclists,” He said.
“I strongly advise (people to) postpone any riding (today)”.
Participants will be refunded their entry fees, but will keep their 2018 retro-designed jersey they were set to wear during the ride.
Stage 4 of the Tour Down Under started an hour earlier today — at 10.30am — and will follow a similar route to the cancelled Bupa Challenge Tour.
It will end at Uraidla about 2pm.