A CYCLING race which took in Gifford and Bolton was abandoned on Saturday morning following a serious accident.

The morning race, which got under way at 10.30am, involved category 3/4 male riders and all female riders.

However, it was abandoned in the opening stages of the 42-mile event after a member of Torvelo Racing fell near to Cockles Brae, between Haddington and Gifford.

A statement on Torvelo Racing’s social media page, posted on Sunday, reads: “We've been overwhelmed by all the messages we've received asking after our Basel who was involved in a get down yesterday at Gifford.

“Basel is being well looked after by the amazing staff at Edinburgh Royal where he remains for observation as his recovery begins.

“We want to say a massive thanks to everyone who helped yesterday in the moments following the crash and the support shown throughout the day.

“Proper incredible.

"It's early days but things are looking positive.

“If Basel recovers as fast as he rides, he'll be back soon.

“For now, we're focused on helping with his recovery.”

Phil Darby, race organiser from Edinburgh Road Club, said the male rider was taken to hospital by ambulance.

At the same time, the decision was taken to abandon the race as first aiders dealt with the injured rider.

A second race took place later in the afternoon and was won by Finn Crockett, of Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling, ahead of James Jobber, of Kuwait Pro Cycling, and Tom Timothy, also of Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling.

Mr Darby said: “There was some hard racing, great weather and just real quality racing.

“The race developed over the afternoon and a group of about 17 broke away and in the end the winner capitalised to get away on his own.”