Police hunt rider in Team Sky kit who assaulted fellow cyclist in Lancashire

Police in Lancashire are searching for a rider wearing Team Sky kit who allegedly assaulted another cyclist in Preston.

Lancashire Constabulary say that last Tuesday 3 June at around 6pm, there was a collision between two cyclists on Preston’s Guild Wheel route.

One of the riders, on what is described as a carbon fibre road bike that is dark grey in colour [which rules out a team issue Pinarello Dogma – Ed] then assaulted the other, police say.

The 20-year-old victim is said to have been sworn at then put in a headlock and punched twice in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

He got back to his feet, but as he tried to ride away, the other man – described as “white, around 20 years old, six feet tall, of stocky build and clean shaven with blond hair” and speaking with a local accent – pushed him to the ground, resulting in a broken collarbone.

Police say the alleged assailant was wearing a dark grey cycle helmet, a Team Sky jersey, and black shorts.

PC Nicola Jackson said: “This was a nasty assault which has caused the victim serious injury.

“If anybody has any information about this incident or thinks they recognise the description of the man involved then please contact us.”

It was not reported whether the Team Sky jersey in question is the current Rapha version, or its adidas predecessor.

Police can be contacted on 101 or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Earlier this year, we reported how Peter Ward, the man who helped devise the Guild Wheel cycle route, had criticised “poser” cyclists who use it to try and set fastest times on Strava segments.