From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif
GLASGOW, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- National track cyclist Lau New Joe is in stable condition and has been cleared to return to Malaysia after being involved in a crash during the men’s 10-kilometre (km) scratch race final at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games here on Saturday.
Malaysian contingent chief medical officer Dr Kamarul Hashimy Hussein said New Joe was taken to the emergency department at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where he underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan and full-body X-rays.
“Alhamdulillah, the CT scan showed no internal bleeding in the brain, although there were minor fractures to the facial bones.
“The emergency department doctors then referred him to maxillofacial specialists, and two dental maxillofacial specialists attended to him that night, providing immediate treatment from about 9 pm until 1 am,” he told Bernama here today.
Dr Kamarul said New Joe was later discharged from hospital and returned to the team hotel, while the National Sports Institute (NSI) will oversee his follow-up treatment upon his return to Malaysia.
He said New Joe also sustained dental injuries, including fractured teeth, which will require several treatment sessions and follow-up procedures with maxillofacial specialists.
“The NSI will also provide psychological support as he has a strong mentality, a winning spirit and is still eager to return to competition.
“We will monitor his fitness, including his stamina and muscle endurance, to ensure he is in peak condition when he is given the green light to compete again. We hope he makes a speedy recovery and, if given the opportunity, can return to compete at the Asian Games (from Sept 19-Oct 4),” he said.
Dr Kamarul said New Joe, who is making his Commonwealth Games debut at this edition, has been cleared to fly and is scheduled to return to Malaysia with the national contingent tomorrow (Aug 3).
In last night’s race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, New Joe had to be stretchered off by the medical team and was listed as “Did Not Finish” in the official results.
The crash, which involved nine riders, occurred shortly before the riders entered the final lap as the field began sprinting towards the finish.
New Joe appeared to be briefly unconscious following the crash.
-- BERNAMA