Slowtwitchers,

I had a college kid hit from behind at a race yesterday. He was riding very close to the right side of the road on an "open-road course." Amazingly, he is fine, besides some road rash and likely some residual soreness.Thankfully, the race had doctors and nurses on-site since a local hospital was a presenting sponsor. Again, he is fine, today a bit sore, but he was walking around cheering on his teammates before they even got back in to T2. Tough kid in his second triathlon who will bounce back, no-doubt with more fire than before.

Unfortunately and seemingly more common, the driver did not stop and there are no good leads, nor do I expect any. Local police were great and we have good contact for police reports on the incident. The RDs are also being great.

His bike was destroyed because it seems the athlete was thrown forward from the bike to the side of the road and the bike was run over. I have not seen anything like it besides when an athlete/cyclist was killed (destroyed crank and shattered fork, tacoed wheels-rear one being less damaged actually). However, the big question is where do we go from here? We will be looking to the parent's insurance company (he is a college kid) and possibly the bike company for a discount. We may have avenues with our very supportive athletic department. I am not sure there is really anything to be had through USAT or the race. Based on previous experiences- what have been your best options for bike replacement?

Given, the driver is scum of the earth for not having stopped- for whatever reason. I do not want this to be a rant against hit-and-runs. They suck, but here I am looking for some good advice for the athlete. Specific ideas previously used, welcome and encouraged (to include down-falls to using certain avenues like car/home-owner's insurance or approaching the race).

Thanks!

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later,
billy
Endurance Athlete and Coach
Naval Academy Triathlon Coach (USNA '00 and USMC)
billythekidtriathlete.com