Korean rider, photographers figure in Le Tour de Filipinas opening day mishap

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – This year’s Le Tour de Filipinas opening day was marred with an accident as Soon Yeong Kwon of Korea’s Team KSPO rammed two photographers just meters away from Stage 1’s finish line, Monday, April 21, along Rizal Street in Olongapo City.

Kwon, Rappler’s Josh Albelda, and Business Mirror’s Alyssa Salen were immediately brought to Baypointe Hospital and Medical Center for treatment after sustaining injuries when the Korean cyclist hit both photographers in his final approach to the finish line.

After pedaling through the 160 kilometers between Clark Field in Pampanga and Olongapo City, the young Korean prospect was giving all that he had left in his tank, aiming to overtake United Arab Emirates’ Mirza Alhammadi when he struck the photographers – who were positioned near the barriers of the stopping zone – shortly after he crossed the finish line.

It had been a great run for Kwon as he trumped two of the stage’s three uphill climbs to secure the King of the Mountain jersey, making him one of the early favorites this year but his 2014 Le Tour campaign was put to an abrupt end after the unfortunate incident.

The three are currently receiving treatment at the hospital with the Korean being observed closely after sustaining a head injury.

Albelda, 23, sustained wounds on his arms and legs and is also being thoroughly monitored after his camera smashed onto his face during the mishap. Salen has undergone an operation Monday night for fracture on her collarbone.

Air21, the event’s organizers, is shouldering all the medical expenses for Kwon, Albelda, and Salen.

Several accidents have happened in the past in Le Tour de Filipinas but it was the first time that someone from a media outfit was involved.

The 175.5-kilometer Stage 2 kicks off Tuesday, April 22, in Olongapo City, and will end in Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija. – Rappler.com