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Chad Young dies in hospital five days after horror crash

Promising young US rider was "a friend, a team mate and a family member" says manager...

The promising young American pro cyclist Chad Young has died in hospital, five days after sustaining horrific head and facial injuries in a crash while racing.

The 21 year old was riding in the Tour of the Gila, when he was involved in a multi rider crash during a mountain descent in New Mexico.

He was airlifted to hospital in Tucson, Arizona, but his injuries were not survivable.

“We lost a friend, a team mate and a family member. I have no words that can express my pain over this loss,” said Axeon Hagens Berman Cycling Team manager Axel Merckx, general manager.

“I can only say that I am very thankful to have known him and that I feel privileged to have been able to share in his passion for cycling.

“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support over the past few days. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

“May he rest in peace.”

 

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7 comments

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Jimmy Ray Will | 6 years ago
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If you think about the volume of road racing taking place over the planet and then consider the number of deaths and serious injuries, its really not as bas as it can seem.

I agree with the comment above, there are some immediate and necessary 'wins' to be had around race vehicles, however beyond that, its going to be hard to make any major changes. At a professional level.

However, I also believe that we are surviving by little more than good fortune. I was watching a video of a crit on youtube the other day, and right on the apex of a corner was a concrete lamp post. 

There was no protection on this lamp post at all, probably because you wouldn't visualise a rider hitting it in normal riding conditions. But it also wouldn't take much for a rider to hit that post and when they do it'll be serious... and actions will then be taken to improve things. its a shame it has to be that way around, when action could be taken now. 

I know BC have invested a huge amount of times risk assessing UK courses to ensure that there are reduced serious / fatal accidents. Some of the requirements are fairly draconian and excessive now, but fingers crossed we won't be talking about further avoidable deaths any time soon. 

 

Avatar
Jimmy Ray Will | 6 years ago
0 likes

If you think about the volume of road racing taking place over the planet and then consider the number of deaths and serious injuries, its really not as bas as it can seem.

I agree with the comment above, there are some immediate and necessary 'wins' to be had around race vehicles, however beyond that, its going to be hard to make any major changes. At a professional level.

However, I also believe that we are surviving by little more than good fortune. I was watching a video of a crit on youtube the other day, and right on the apex of a corner was a concrete lamp post. 

There was no protection on this lamp post at all, probably because you wouldn't visualise a rider hitting it in normal riding conditions. But it also wouldn't take much for a rider to hit that post and when they do it'll be serious... and actions will then be taken to improve things. its a shame it has to be that way around, when action could be taken now. 

I know BC have invested a huge amount of times risk assessing UK courses to ensure that there are reduced serious / fatal accidents. Some of the requirements are fairly draconian and excessive now, but fingers crossed we won't be talking about further avoidable deaths any time soon. 

 

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
1 like

F1 is an enclosed machine based sport so the safety measures facing cycling are completely different given it can't restrict the actual cyclists performance. People did seem to be expendable in F1 decades ago and change really was needed as it could easily be done for a bit of financial investment. 

I'm not sure where you go in cycling though. There have been some pretty good advances in motorcycle leathers and airbags and maybe in cycling in years to come there'll be some form of lightweight inflatable neck bracing but I doubt it.

Don't forget there's also an element that embraces the danger. It makes the sport what it is. It makes people want to do it and people want to watch it. It wasn't long ago we were having a picnic and day out at the local hangings.  

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cuber replied to Yorkshire wallet | 6 years ago
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Yorkshire wallet wrote:

F1 is an enclosed machine based sport so the safety measures facing cycling are completely different given it can't restrict the actual cyclists performance. People did seem to be expendable in F1 decades ago and change really was needed as it could easily be done for a bit of financial investment. 

I'm not sure where you go in cycling though. There have been some pretty good advances in motorcycle leathers and airbags and maybe in cycling in years to come there'll be some form of lightweight inflatable neck bracing but I doubt it.

Don't forget there's also an element that embraces the danger. It makes the sport what it is. It makes people want to do it and people want to watch it. It wasn't long ago we were having a picnic and day out at the local hangings.  

How about designing races so some aspects of ridiculous dangers involved are minimized? Does it always have to be about viewership, money, xtremes and never about safety?

How about accidents, some deadly, caused by race connected  media "artists" running over or into cyclists? The drama producers must be in provoking places ahead of safety, every single time? I have read the "new" rules of engagement for these suckers and see nothing that actually addresses this problem anywhere near the actual need. 

Many things can be done to improve safety of races, but just like doping, cyclists' safety will have only become part of it ,when enough outragous accidents take place with sufficient post-coverage when changes will take place or at least will be loudly discussed.

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hsiaolc | 6 years ago
0 likes

This is worse than Formula 1 back in the 80s before they care about safety. 

 

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scouser_andy | 6 years ago
2 likes

Awful news. It will be of little concelation at the moment, but he died doing something he loved. Rest in peace Chad. x

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Kadinkski | 6 years ago
5 likes

What a loss. I'm deeply saddened to hear this, thoughts are with his family, friends an all involved in the team.

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