Cyclists in SEA Games struck down with food poisoning

CYCLISTS competing in the SEA Games were suffering from a hell of a lot more than just sore muscles after their time trials.

‘Loose stools’ sink cyclists

DESPITE not being a contact sport, cycling still comes with its fair share of risks.

You can break bones after tumbling off at high speed around a bend, run over a stray dog and rip your skin or struggle to walk after an arduous mountain climb.

“Loose stools” probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when considering the physical toll of cycling. However, you might think differently after these events.

SEA Games organisers launched an investigation into feared food poisoning on Thursday after “a bout of loose stools” struck several athletes in the cycling competition.

Cyclists complained their performance had been affected as the competition in Singapore got under way with the men’s and women’s individual time trials.

Italy's Vincenzo Nibali (3rdL) rides in the pack with his teammates of the Kazakhstan's Astana Pro cycling team during the 228 km fourth stage of the 67th edition of the Dauphine Criterium cycling race on June 10, 2015 betweenAnneyron and Sisteron. AFP PHOTO / ERIC FEFERBERG

“The Singapore Southeast Asian Games Organising Committee has received a report of an incident involving a bout of loose stools that has affected a few athletes early this morning,” a statement said.

“We are investigating the matter with the relevant authorities and reinforcing hygiene practices.” The Straits Times newspaper said the cyclists were staying at Resorts World Sentosa, a hotel, casino and funpark complex popular with tourists.

Malaysian rider Muhammad Fauzan Ahmad Lutfi blamed his dinner of chicken and curry egg for his performance after he finished 11th in the men’s time trial.

“Two other riders, including my roommate, are down too. I think it was the chicken and the curry egg at dinner. I felt sick at around 1am last night,” he said.

The incident follows a food poisoning outbreak at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, which affected more than 20 people working for the organising

— with AFP

Originally published as Cyclists in SEA Games struck down with food poisoning