Worlds bronze medallist Lauren Dolan claims to be victim of 'punishment braking'
Rider involved in collision with car just 48 hours after World Championships heroics
World Championships bronze medalist Lauren Dolan has blamed a driver for 'punishment braking' in a collision that landed her in hospital just 48 hours after racing in Yorkshire.
The 20-year-old was back riding in Devon two days after her Mixed Relay Team Time Trial exploits in Yorkshire when she was involved in a crash that saw her suffer a broken collarbone and substantial soft tissue damage.
Dolan was part of the six-rider Great Britain team to take third in the inaugural Mixed Relay Team Time Trial at the World Championships in Harrogate on Sunday 22nd September.
Posting on Instagram almost a week after the incident took place, Dolan claimed that the driver had used 'punishment braking' - a method of slamming on the brakes just in front of a cyclist - in what she described as a 'horrible act with malicious intent to harm a cyclist.'
Dolan also elaborated on the incident, describing what happened just before the crash.
'Nearing the end of the ride, we encountered a frustrated driver, beeping on his horn behind us whilst riding single file. The man wasn’t able to pass immediately due to oncoming traffic on the other side of the road,' wrote Dolan.
'To seemingly display his frustration/anger for the hold-up, he passed us with inches to spare. As soon as the driver was directly in front of us at 45kmh on a descent and with feet to spare the driver slammed his brakes on.'
Dolan then explained that she narrowly managed to avoid the rear of the car but did clip a traffic island that threw the rider over her handlebars. She has since had surgery on her damaged shoulder and plans to train again soon.
Devon Police have also found the driver involved in the incident, however he has denied any wrongdoing.
There is an ongoing appeal for witnesses although, without any video footage of the incident, it is unlikely any charges will be made, something Dolan is worried is becoming commonplace for cyclists.
'This type of behaviour is becoming all too familiar on our roads. It has become a culture that needs addressing and time for change is long overdue.'
