Police trying to trace hit and run car after triathlete injured

Phil Willams, 48, was taking part in the 112 mile bike ride of the Nottingham’s Outlaw Triathlon on July 23 when the incident happened.

A West Bridgford man will never be able to compete in triathlons again after he suffered a number of injuries in a hit-and-run collision.

Phil Willams, 48, was taking part in the 112 mile bike ride of the Nottingham’s Outlaw Triathlon on July 23 when the incident happened on the stretch of road where Longland Lane and Baulker Lane cross the A614.

Nottinghamshire Police is appealing for information about a Nissan Micra, which it says was involved in the collision.

Describing the moments leading up to the crash, on Sunday July 23 at 11.50 am, Mr Williams told The Post: “I had just gone past White Post Farm and had come to a crossing. A car was stationary waiting to cross and I could see that it moved and then stopped which I assume meant that they had seen me so I travelled across the road.

“Then all of a sudden I heard the car rev really high and it sped across the road and slammed into my side.

“I actually flipped over the bonnet and ended up in the middle of the road. I landed on my head and my helmet absolutely saved my life.”

He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre with a cracked elbow, muscle trauma, severe bruising, facial scarring and a posterior shoulder dislocation, which means he will never be able to take part in triathlons again.

Mr Williams added: “I saw the car stop further down the road after it hit me and as I sat up in the road it then sped off. I can’t believe it didn’t stop.

“I also don’t understand what harm it could have done to wait two extra seconds while I crossed the road.”

He described the car as a small Nissan Micra style car light green and silver in colour.

Mr Williams has said that if it wasn’t for his high spec helmet he may not have survived the accident.

He said that when he bought the £130 helmet he thought he had been taken advantage of by the shop assistant who had done a “very good job to get him to buy it” but now he realises the importance of helmets.

He said: “This particular helmet has what is called a floating skeleton inside which means that when there is an impact to it the helmet cushions the skull.”

Mr Willams

The police released a statement appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman from Nottinghamshire police said: “A Nissan Micra was involved in a collision with a cyclist who was taking part in the Outlaw Triathlon. The driver failed to stop.

“Anyone who saw the incident or who has information which could assist the investigation is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 410 of July 23 2017, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”