Mountain bike rider killed after downhill crash
A downhill bike rider has been killed after crashing at a well-known mountain trail in Cairns.
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A downhill bike rider has been killed after crashing at a well-known mountain trail in Cairns.
Paramedics responded to multiple calls for help at 10.33am.
Two Queensland Ambulance Service crews were sent to the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park behind the James Cook University campus on McGregor Rd.
A Queensland Ambulance Service said a male adult suffered life-threatening head injuries after crashing his bike.
The injured rider was not taken to hospital and was declared dead at the scene.
Queensland Police Service officers attended the incident at 11.15am.
A spokeswoman said police would prepare a report for the coroner following the sudden non-suspicious death of a 57-year-old man.
It’s understood the rider was practising for the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships due to kick off on Wednesday May 14.
Competitor Michael Brockley from Victoria was on the course practising on Friday.
He said course marshals made him aware of an incident on the trail known as Stingers.
“The guy just said ‘Seeing as it’s your first day here there’s been an accident, so just take it easy’,” he said.
The Stingers route down the mountain is classed as a black trail.
In mountain biking, a black trail signifies the most difficult and challenging terrain, requiring advanced riding skills and experience.
Mr Brockley said he had ridden trails all over the world and considered Stingers one of the toughest.
“This is probably one of the hairiest tracks I’ve ever ridden in my life,” he said.
“But there’s a sign saying caution and with racing, you’ve got to wear a full-face helmet and knee guards.”
The rider was a well-known member of the Cairns mountain bike community. The Cairns Post has chosen to not reveal his identity unitl the man’s next of kin have been notified.
Organisers of the masters event Auscycling have been approached for comment and are expected to provide a statement on Saturday.
The serious crash is the second in the past six months and follows a teenager in September last year who had a medical episode and was flown to Cairns Hospital with life-threatening head injuries.
The Smithfield mountain bike trail network is one of the oldest in the country and is enjoyed by casual riders and elite professionals from around the globe who take to the world class but sometimes treacherous downhill tracks.
Originally published as Mountain bike rider killed after downhill crash
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