EXPRESS: Tour of Britain crash rider Brent Bookwalter says collision ‘could have been avoided’

You can read the full story and watch the crash video here: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/851702/Tour-of-Britain-crash-cycling-Brent-Bookwalter-collision-video-Retford-disabled-bay

Bookwalter needed stitches and suffered a concussion during stage four of the Tour of Britain yesterday after the peloton crashed into a parked car.

The BMC Racing rider was caught up in a pile-up in the Nottinghamshire town of Retford after the riders swung round into the car which was parked in a disabled bay.

And Bookwalter was forced to pull out of the race, but claimed on Instagram that the whole crash could have been avoided.

“I’m very disappointed to abandon the race, especially from an incident that likely could have been avoided with more pro active safety measures,” Bookwalter said.

“Thank you also to the incredible race medical crew (best I've experienced in a race) and [BMC Racing] for taking such good care of me.

“They made a scary and confusing experience easier to handle from the race doctor all the way to the paramedics who took me to the hospital.”

The Tour of Britain meanwhile say they are conducting an investigation into how the crash unfolded.

“We operate a rolling road closure and cannot remove every parked vehicle on the race route, however we work with residents, communities and local authorities ahead of the event to ensure as safe and clear a passage for the race as possible,” a statement said.

“In this instance the car that was parked in a disabled parking bay wasn’t able to be moved before the arrival of the race, and as per our procedures was flagged by one of our motorcycle marshals to alert riders to an obstacle in the road."