Bishop injured in race crash

Andy Bishop pictured after crash. Picture submitted by Andy Moore Autocentres / JE James Racing Team.

Bishop, racing for Andy Moore Autocentres / J. E. James Racing Team, had his bars clipped by an attacking rider in the heat of the battle during the 50-mile road race.

Bishop had looked particularly strong in the first half of the race but this contact sent both rider and bike skittling across the road at some speed with the peloton bearing down on them. The incident necessitated an ambulance and trip to A&E for the AMAC rider, such was the force of the impact.

But, after precautionary scans and X-rays, he was allowed home later in the day, having sustained damaged shoulder ligaments.

Team manager Andy Moore said seeing Bishop walk out of hospital was the best result of the week, in another action-packed seven days for the cycling team. He said: “To escape such a nasty spill without serious injury is a bit of a miracle and one that we’re extremely grateful for. The lads are fortunately equipped with the best safety equipment in the business, and with Bish and Patto both experiencing big falls recently, it shows the life saving capability of the kit.”

Bishop posted on Facebook his thanks to the St John Ambulance members and Rotherham Hospital for the thorough checks, as well as all those who have offered their concern and support following the crash.

Medical staff had to cut through his clothing which meant Bishop, with no alternative clothes, was issued with hospital scrubs to wear home.

Team-mates Steve Paterson claimed a fourth placed finish in the race and Freddie Bingham sprinting in to eighth.

Earlier in the week, junior Harry Buxton sprinted to ninth and Bingham 11th in the first of two at Sheffield City Centre Races on Wednesday. Bishop, Paterson and Dean Watson worked competed in the elite.

Thursday brought the team’s key event of the week, in the form of the latest round of the TLI North Midlands Road Race Series at Torworth. Heading the table, Watson claimed victory followed by Bishop and young sprinter Aaron Chambers-Smith won the bunch sprint. While the team came home from Barnsley’s challenging city centre duel unharmed.