Multisport: Vehicle hits Coast-to-Coast cyclist

A Coast-to-Coast competitor is in hospital with a possible broken back after a hit-and-run incident just one hour from the finish line.

Graham O'Neill, 26, was on the outskirts of Christchurch, his hometown, about 9.45pm on Saturday when a vehicle hit his cycle from behind.

It threw him on to a grass verge and sent his bike flying across a water race.

O'Neill was found by a passing motorist who had stopped to investigate a flashing light on the road, thought to be the bike's red tail-light.

Last night, Christchurch Hospital said O'Neill, a baker, had yet to be seen by a medical specialist but described his condition as satisfactory.

This was O'Neill's third Coast-to-Coast.

Organiser Robin Judkins said just eight people had been admitted to hospital in the 23 years of the endurance race. During that period 17,000 athletes had taken part.

- NZPA