Shane Sutton hospitalised after incident in Manchester, meanwhile Bradley Wiggins released from hospital

In what's turning out to be a pretty dark 24 hours for British Cycling, details are emerging that coach Shane Sutton has been hospitalised after an on-the-bike incident. Meanwhile Bradley Wiggins, himself injured when he was struck by a car yesterday evening, has been releasd from hospital and is now at home recuperating with his family.

“British Cycling has confirmed that Shane Sutton, Head Coach for the GB Cycling Team, was involved in an incident this morning on the A6 near Levenshulme in Manchester," reads the announcement on the British Cycling website.

"Shane was taken into hospital where it was identified he has suffered bruising and bleeding on the brain. Shane was wearing a helmet. He is set to undergo more tests, and is likely to stay in hospital for the next few days.

"It is extremely rare that our riders and coaches are hurt while out cycling on the road, even rarer that two incidents should occur in a short space of time, and we wish Shane and Bradley a speedy recovery," the release goes on to say.

"Cycling is not an intrinsically dangerous activity but there is much more to be done to improve conditions for cyclists on the roads. British Cycling is calling on the government to put cycling at the heart of transport policy to ensure that cycle safety is built into the design of all new roads, junctions and transport projects, rather than being an afterthought."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the incident took place at approximately 0855 this morning close to the junction of Stockport Road and Clare Road in Levenshulme, south east Manchester.

"A 54-year-old man from Cardiff was riding a bike when he was in collision with a blue Peugeot 206 being driven by a 61-year-old man.

"He suffered a head injury in the collision and was taken to Hope Hospital for treatment. It is now believed he may have suffered a small bleed on the brain and concussion. He is now in a stable condition."

The police statement added that enquiries were ongoing.

Wiggins himself, who has desctribed Sutton as a 'father figure' has been released from hospiral today and the team confirmed that there should be no long-term effects.

In a statement, Team Sky doctor Richard Freeman said: “Bradley has been discharged from hospital after suffering minor injuries, including bruises to his right hand and ribs, but is expected to make a full and speedy recovery. He is now going to spend the weekend at home convalescing with his family.”

More details when we have them