Riders crash into crowd at German Track Championships

Two spectators were flown to hospital by rescue helicopter at the German Track Cycling Championships on Sunday after two riders went over the barriers at high speed and crashed into the crowd, organisers said.

The incident, which occurred during the elite keirin semi-finals, left seven spectators injured and led to the remainder of the final day of competition being called off.

The German Cycling Federation (BDR) reported on Monday that the two seriously injured spectators were no longer in critical condition and both riders involved in the accident have been given the all-clear, having sustained only minor injuries.

"The health of athletes and spectators always comes first," BDR marketing and communications officer Oliver Streich said in a statement. "There was therefore no alternative to cancelling the event."

"We are, of course, deeply sorry that the German Championships had to end with such a shocking incident and that spectators were also involved. We wish all those affected a good and speedy recovery," Guenter Schabel, BDR Vice President said.