Two professional bicyclists collided in Lompoc Wednesday morning, leaving one rider in critical condition. [KSBY]
The bicyclists were participating in a professional bike race, according to the Lompoc Police Department. The collision, which occurred around 10:45 a.m., caused the critically injured cyclist to stop breathing.
Another bicyclist in the race, who is also a doctor, stopped to perform first aid and resuscitate the victim who was not breathing. Emergency responders then airlifted him Cottage Hospital, where he has received treatment in the trauma center.
The second cyclist involved in the crash received treatment at the scene.
The bicyclists in the race reportedly belong to a private club consisting of members of the military, veterans and civilians from the San Diego area. They were riding from San Francisco to Santa Barbara to benefit the EOD Warrior Foundation.
CalCoastNews recently analyzed California Highway Patrol statistics, which show that Santa Barbara County had the second most collisions per capita in the state last year. San Luis Obispo County led all California counties last year in bicycle fatalities per capita.
