A cyclist was today (Tuesday) still fighting for his life after colliding with a steam engine near Ramsey Mereside.

The man, who is 46, and from Herefordshire, was taking part in the amateur section of the Circuit of the Fens, a road race in the British Cycling Grand Prix series.

He crashed on Oilmills Road, near its junction with the B1040 at Pondersbridge, at about 1.30pm on Sunday (July 27), suffering serious head, chest and leg injuries.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance was called and its crew, Dr Tim Lightfoot and critical care paramedic Gary Spitzer, treated the man at the roadside. He was flown to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge where he today (Tuesday) remained in a critical condition.

A spokesman for the air ambulance said the cyclist had ridden into the back of a stationary vehicle.

Racing was suspended following the accident but resumed at 3pm, on a shortened course, after discussions between British Cycling officials and team managers.

The roads had been kept clear for the cyclists, with Cambridgeshire Police providing a rolling road closure for both the elite and amateur races.

An investigation involving the police and British Cycling into how the crash happened is under way.

A spokesman for British Cycling said: “We are still investigating the circumstances so are unable to provide any further detail. In organising the event, rider safety is our highest priority and we take our responsibility to participants in the race very seriously.”

The race, which started and finished in Whittlesey town centre and saw riders complete a loop including Ramsey Mereside and Ramsey Forty Foot, was promoted by St Ives Cycling Club.

INFORMATION: Witnesses should call the collision investigation unit on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.