On the morning of September 20 in Chengdu, Sichuan, during the Tianfu Greenway International Cycling Fan Race, dozens of riders were sprinting along the Beilin Greenway when several suddenly fell, triggering a chain crash that left the scene in chaos.

According to a statement from the Chengdu Sports Bureau, the initial assessment was that the crash began when a leading rider fell, causing others following too closely to collide before they could avoid it. In total, nine people were injured, eight of them suffering abrasions and discharged after treatment. The most seriously injured rider sustained a severe knee injury, with bone exposed and soft tissue above the kneecap reportedly cut by a disc brake. He was rushed to hospital by ambulance and underwent knee surgery on September 21. He is currently under observation.

Organizers noted that the race rules clearly stated participation was voluntary and at the rider’s own risk. All competitors had purchased insurance, and the insurer has been contacted to provide the maximum payout. They added that if the injured rider requires transfer to another hospital, they will actively assist and provide further support.