Lee Valley VeloPark to Review Safety Protocols Following Marchant Incident

The velodrome at Lee Valley VeloPark, which hosted events during the 2012 London Olympics, has announced plans to “explore what else can be done to improve rider and spectator safety” following two incidents where cyclists were propelled into the audience. This decision comes after British Olympic champion Katy Marchant sustained a broken wrist and two dislocated fingers last weekend, when she and a German competitor crashed into spectators at the Lee Valley VeloPark track. While four spectators received treatment for injuries, Marchant was the sole individual who needed hospital care. This incident mirrors a high-speed collision that occurred at the same track and bend during the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, involving England’s Matt Walls, who also went over the barriers and into the crowd. Following the previous occurrence, the venue invested £250,000 in August to install a Perspex screen, increasing the barrier’s height by 50cm to 1.4m. The facility has consistently adhered to UCI regulations. Furthermore, new regulations mandate that all newly constructed velodromes must incorporate comparable protective screens. In a statement issued to BBC Sport, the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority commented: “First and foremost, our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the unfortunate incident on Saturday evening. It was a truly unsettling occurrence and we understand the distress it must have caused to everyone involved. “We are pleased to hear that Katy Marchant is in good spirits and that the necessary measures are being taken to follow up with impacted spectators.” The statement continued: “The safety of riders and spectators is an absolute priority for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Our next major event is in autumn 2025 and we will work with event partners to explore what else can be done at the venue to improve rider and event spectator safety within the rules and technical regulations which govern track cycling.” It also noted: “Structural engineers checked the barrier on Sunday, 8 December, and it is undamaged, and the track reopened as planned to the public on Monday.”