TRIANGLE,
Va. (WUSA9) -- One bicyclist was killed and two others were seriously
injured after a cycling crash at the World Police and Fire Games
Thursday afternoon.
The crash happened on the Loop, a 7.5 mile paved, windy road with hills at the Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Va.
Prince William County police say the riders, all from Brazil, were transported to area hospitals for treatment. The two other riders remain in serious condition.
According to police, the crash was triggered when one of the riders sustained a front tire blowout, which caused a chain reaction with the other cyclists.
The deceased bicyclist was identified as 48-year-old Carlos Silva. The two other cyclists are a 44-year-old man and a 43-year-old man. Police have not released their names.
"The only thing he said about his life and his pleasure to be here that he loved what he do. He loved to be here. He loved to train and most of all, he loves his career, and his daughter," Alexandre Manzan, a colleague of Silva's said.
Riders familiar with the Loop say it's a tough course and can be dangerous for those who are not familiar with the road. The injured cyclists were coming down a steep, curvy hill over Quantico Creek.
The incident happened around noon, and the competition at the park ended shortly after.
The World Police and Fire Games are an athletic competition featuring law enforcement officers from all over the world. They released the following statement about the accident.
The crash happened on the Loop, a 7.5 mile paved, windy road with hills at the Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Va.
Prince William County police say the riders, all from Brazil, were transported to area hospitals for treatment. The two other riders remain in serious condition.
According to police, the crash was triggered when one of the riders sustained a front tire blowout, which caused a chain reaction with the other cyclists.
The deceased bicyclist was identified as 48-year-old Carlos Silva. The two other cyclists are a 44-year-old man and a 43-year-old man. Police have not released their names.
"The only thing he said about his life and his pleasure to be here that he loved what he do. He loved to be here. He loved to train and most of all, he loves his career, and his daughter," Alexandre Manzan, a colleague of Silva's said.
Riders familiar with the Loop say it's a tough course and can be dangerous for those who are not familiar with the road. The injured cyclists were coming down a steep, curvy hill over Quantico Creek.
The incident happened around noon, and the competition at the park ended shortly after.
The World Police and Fire Games are an athletic competition featuring law enforcement officers from all over the world. They released the following statement about the accident.
We are deeply saddened that an athlete participating in the World Police & Fire Games passed away today at the cycling event in Prince William County. Two other athletes are seriously injured. Please join us as we keep these athletes, their families and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this tragic and challenging time.