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Oliver Schick
@Bundo
Received from David Trimble yesterday via email - i assume to all riders
"First of all I would like to personally thank everyone who pined on a number Saturday. I am deeply grateful for the support and participation in the Red Hook Crit. This is a world that everyone of you have helped build.
The incident at the start of the men's race is still on everyone's mind. As the race started the moto driver stalled the engine and was left stranded. What happened next is clear. It was a simple incident with a catastrophic result. I acknowledge that this should not have happened and as race director apologize for the incident. As always we will review every incident and continue improving our safety infrastructure and race operations. Luckily all the injuries sustained in the crash are relatively minor.
Going forward the motos will begin moving around the circuit before the race is started. This will ensure they get a safe launch and offer a margin if something goes wrong. As a reminder the motos primary function is to sweep lapped riders off the circuit and provide a visual and audible reference to fans, riders, photographers, medical team, and course marshals that the race is approaching. In an situation where the course marshals are working to clear the circuit before the race comes back around the motos are essential.
The pilot we used is experienced at escorting cycling races and is the only driver we have ever used in Brooklyn. After the incident he remained on duty and escorted the race without issue. The procedures to start the race have been in place for years and mechanically the moto was in proper working condition.
I hope everyone remembers all of the amazing performances and efforts that took place before and after this. It was a beautiful day with overwhelming positive energy and believe that this day will be remembered ultimately for everything that went right as opposed to what went wrong."
David Trimble