Nichols ... was involved in the crash that killed Amy Gillett. Photo- Brett Costello

 

By staff writers at Foxsports.com.au
May 08, 2008

AUSTRALIAN cyclists Kate Nichols and Ben Kersten were among about 50 riders involved in a hit-and-run crash in the Sydney suburb Mascot on Thursday morning.

Witnesses to the crash told Fairfax media that the group of professional cyclists were riding south on Southern Cross Drive, just south of Dacey Avenue, at about 0630 (EST) when a driver, agitated with being held up, accelerated in front of the pack and then slammed on his brakes.

"The driver's come up close behind them and was worrying the rear of the pack and then (the driver has) gone past and got in front and slammed his brakes on," one cyclist said.

"Everyone's slammed their brakes on and slammmed into each other ... there were broken bikes - wheels busted and wheels snapped - and people lying on the road." 

There were no serious injuries but most most cyclists suffered cuts, bruises, sprains and possible fractures.

In 2005, Nichols was one of five national team members injured in a road crash in Germany in which team member Amy Gillett was killed.

Despite numerous national titles, world cup wins and a Commonwealth Games gold medal, Kersten is yet to compete at the Olympics.

Kersten was added to the track cycling team at the Athens Games in 2004 after Jobie Dajka was removed by the Australian Olympic Committee. Kersten was subsequently ostracised by his teammates and did not race in Athens.

This was after he unsuccessfully appealled to be included in the team for the Sydney Olympics four years earlier.

At the Commonwealth Games, he won gold in the 1km time trial and finished second in the keirin but was subsequently disqualified for dangerous riding after interefering with fellow Australian Shane Kelly.