POLICE have labelled the actions of a person who dropped thumb tacks in front of a group of cyclists as “despicable” and “gutless”.
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Albury Wodonga Cycling Club members had been riding in several groups on Old Sydney Road at Thurgoona on Thursday night when a red car had swerved at them.
The riders believe the motorist may have been the same person who threw thumb tacks onto the road, leaving several riders with punctures.
Two cyclists were hurt during the ride, but it was unclear if the crash occurred prior to them hitting the thumb tacks or as a result of the punctures.
A man is believed to have broken his shoulder and several ribs, and a 24-year-old Albury woman suffered grazes after falling at about 40km/h.
Club member Greg Featonby, who was riding with a nearby group at the time, said it was disappointing someone would target the cyclists.
“There were about 15 riders who got punctures from the tacks across the road,” he said.
“The major incident was with the car, which swerved towards the group.
“It’s lucky it didn’t end in tragedy.
“If there had been an oncoming car, who knows what could have happened?”
Children aged as young as 12 had been riding with the group.
Another rider, who asked not to be named, said club members were “really angry” as a result of the incident.
“It’s an attack of absolute malice,” he said.
“They probably did it thinking we’d get a puncture, but if you get a puncture at 50km/h you can lose control of the bike.”
Albury Inspector David Cottee said police were seeking a red Mazda 3, possibly with partial registration plates BVC.
“It’s a despicable and gutless type of act,” he said.
“It had the potential to cause quite serious injuries to a number of people.
“We’re putting an appeal out for anyone who may have been in the area about 6.50pm and saw the vehicle, or a similar vehicle, to come forward.”