– Ryan Bailey reports from Rio de Janeiro
AN IRANIAN CYCLIST has tragically passed away after sustaining head injuries in a horrific crash during today’s Paralympic Road Race in Rio.
Bahman Golbarnezhad died after suffering a cardiac arrest on the way to hospital. He was 48.
In a statement released this evening, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed that Golbarnezhad was involved in a crash at around 10.40am local time on the first section of the mountainous course.
The cyclist received treatment at the scene and was in an ambulance when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Golbarnezhad passed away soon after his arrival to Unimed Rio Hospital, close to the Olympic Village in Barra.
The Iranian Paralympic team were told of the news as a group in the Athlete’s Village this evening.
“This is truly heart-breaking news and the thoughts and condolences of the whole Paralympic Movement are with Bahman’s family, friends, and teammates as well as the whole of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Iran,” Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, said.
“The Paralympic Family is united in grief at this horrendous tragedy which casts a shadow over what have been great Paralympic Games here in Rio.”
The Iranian flag has been lowered to half-mast in the Village while a minute’s silence will be held during Sunday’s Closing Ceremony at the Maracana.
This was Golbarnezhad’s second Games after he competed in London 2012. He had finished 14th in Wednesday’s C4 Time Trial.
The incident caused delays to the rest of the day’s Road Race events in Pontal, a small seaside resort in Rio.
An investigation into the circumstances of the accident has been launched by the IPC and organisers will stage a press conference at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium later.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
He must really not like his brother.
Think it’s just good retirement planning by the parents. He signs his brother to take over the carers role.
A head scratcher if ever there was one.
Hate to slate a loyal servant but, it makes sense he allowed John afoa to go to Gloucester then.
Does make you wonder!
Not at all, that was a done deal long ago and Gloucester on sacked their present director last week.
NO ONE saw this coming, a real shocker!
Wow, I did not see that one coming! He was Mr Ulster, and I wouldn’t imagine he was anywhere near completing his objectives he had outlined with Ulster. Still, we should be able to attract a top class director. Conor O’Shea?
Big of a shock especially after the transformation that has happened up in Ulster the last few years…maybe he felt he couldn’t take them on any further?
Head coach
Mark Mc Call?
Not so strange. Frustration at the lack of success. By moving to Gloucester is he saying this is as far as I can take Ulster at this time? Is he saying that the powers that be do not share his ambition? What does Gloucester offer that he cannot achieve with Ulster? Shane Logan’s comments are curious, particularly regarding development as Ulster has a single representative in U20 in the junior world cup and a senior squad that can beat the best in Europe but has no trophies. Has the wrong man left Ulster?
That’s a strange one didn’t see that coming,are you any relation to charlize theron?
Hope it’s not a sign of things to come with the new financial clout of the premiership & top14 deals. I had worried about losing players but managers & directors are just as important.
Is it because there are simply too many too comfortable in their roles at Ulster paying lip service to sharing the vision or is it because he has read which way the financial wind is blowing?
Sad day for Ulster Rugby. Brilliant player, captain and leader. He spotted and attracted the best players and brought them to Belfast.
After 91 years you just can’t write off Ravenhill and its rugby history despite new stadium name. More to this story.
But can they afford to let ambition walk out the door?
If David was the director of rugby what was the title for Mark Anscombe ?
Coach
It was probably in the works for a while, but just officially announced today, in case it was a distraction during the tail end of the season. Real surprise though