Driver believed to have deliberately knocked cyclist off bike during St George’s Southern Sportive

Organisers of the St George’s Southern Sportive are appealing for witnesses to a hit and run which took place during the event on Sunday. A dark coloured Honda Civic hit a rider at around 9.10am in what many onlookers felt was a deliberate manoeuvre.

Nick Antram, one of several riders who witnessed the incident, wrote on Facebook:

“A few of us witnessed a shocking hit and run on the Chinnor Hill descent at the beginning of the ride, when a car (we think a dark grey Honda Civic) deliberately knocked one of the riders of his bike and sped off. He suffered broken ribs and a broken scapula as a result.”

Event organiser, Martin Harrison, said that all witnesses had told him that the collision was either deliberate or at the very least dangerously reckless, that the rider wasn't do anything wrong and the car could have got past if it had been prepared to wait just a few seconds.

“This was just a normal sportive, with about 400 riders spread out over a couple of hours start period, so we didn't have massive packs blocking roads,” he added.

Several people stopped to help and waited with the rider until the ambulance and police arrived. Harrison says that while the injured rider is facing a lay off while his broken bones heal, he seems well and as positive as can be expected. “We're wishing him a full and fast recovery and he's had lots of messages of support from other riders on the event too.”

If anyone saw the incident or was perhaps a little way ahead and later passed by the car can get in touch with police on 01865 266 288. A bit of damaged trim was knocked off the vehicle and left at the scene, and it is hoped that this could be matched to the vehicle at some point. The damage to the passenger side of the car may also be visible.