Appeal after ex pro-cyclist Dean Downing left injured in crash at Blyth

Retired road racer Dean Downing, 40, was cycling with his training partner on Retford Road just outside Blyth at around 1.30pm on July 17, when they were overtaken by a white van which is believed to have swerved to avoid a bollard, causing Mr Downing to lose control of his bike and collide with a bollard and a lamppost.

The incident left Mr Downing with injuries to his knee which necessitates the use of a leg brace.

The van involved is described as a white traffic management van. The driver did not stop at the scene.

PC Leanne Dawes of Nottinghamshire Police said: “We are urging the driver of the van or anyone who has any information which could assist to come forward.

“The driver may not have realised what happened but we need them to make contact to help with our enquiries.

“This incident left both cyclists understandably shaken. There were other drivers on the road at the time and we would ask anyone who witnessed this incident to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Mr Downing said: “I hit the bollard and lamppost and landed in middle of other side of road. I was very lucky there was no oncoming traffic or I could have been more seriously injured.”

If you have any information which could assist please call Nottinghamshire Police today on 101 quoting incident number 473 of 17 July or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.