Photo by Luke Seemann

Update from Bensenville crash
Jul 15
2008
Filed in: Race news, Superweek


Comments (24)

A disturbing crash at the end of today’s 4’s race in Bensenville sent a rider to the hospital, but early word is that he will be OK.

According to e-mail now making the rounds, based on information from the rider’s son: “James Scott (Apache) was transported to Loyola after the accident today. He was conscious the entire time and joking with the MDs prior to surgery that he was VERY excited he took 3rd! He is out of surgery and doing well and they expect a full recovery.”

This is a massive relief to all who were present, myself included.

The finish line of the Bensenville course sits in the middle of a long chicane of new pavement. After the finish line, the course bends to the right. Scott had just sprinted for 3rd up the left side of the course but, either because of the follow-through of his throw or because he was distracted by the other finishers, did not turn in time, slamming hard into the metal barriers and catching one at a freakishly unfortunate angle.

Several emergency medical technicians were on the scene within seconds, including the medical service team hired by Superweek, and he was well cared for. I salute their professionalism and coolness during the crisis. They saved a life today.

An ambulance arrived 20 minutes later, and racing resumed.

I’ll update this post if and when there is more to report.



Wednesday update: I spoke to Jim’s son Jeremy this evening and the prognosis is good. Jim continues to be in good spirits, and doctors expect to release him from the hospital this week.

Comments

1.

Jul 15
2008

8:19 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Course fail… again.

2.

Jul 15
2008

8:26 pm

EricG (Burnham Racing)

Heal fast, Jim… nothing is more dangerous than Mr. Scott, a computer and too much time on his hands. Hope to see you on the bike soon… and looking forward to seeing the powertap file from the crash.

3.

Jul 16
2008

8:57 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (xXx-Athletico)

What a relief.  All the best to Jim and his family—this was the scariest scene I’ve witnessed yet, and I’m really happy to hear that he’s going to be ok.

4.

Jul 16
2008

9:08 am

Julian (Burnham Racing)

Hey Superweek… 

How about next year, for the an event that claims to be “world-class bicycle racing” let’s see an effort to make it a bit safer.

5.

Jul 16
2008

9:29 am

Luke Seemann's avatar

Luke Seemann (XXX Racing-AthletiCo)

These are the same metal barriers used in most races. We can’t blame Superweek for the barriers when they’re in standard use everywhere else, including our national championships in Downers Grove. (The placement of the finish line is another matter. Can anyone think of another course that doesn’t have a straightaway after the finish line?) But this incident makes it clear that it’s time to think about new solutions.

Scott’s crash was exacerbated by three factors: 1. The barrier was metal and unable to absorb any of his considerable energy. 2. The barriers had hard corners. 3. His front wheel slipped between the rails, so instead of sliding down the road, he came to a sudden, terrible stop.

I’ve put an inquiry to TrackCare to see how practical their products are for bicycle races. It appears to be a British company. Does anyone know about a domestic company that provides a similar product?

If our state association wishes to make a major investment to benefit all riders, I would prefer it go toward such a safer barrier system rather than the luxury of chip timing.

6.

Jul 16
2008

2:50 pm

supertick (Beverly Bike-Vee Pak)

Big thanks to Tony Rienks and Elvis Falbo from Beverly Bike-Vee Pak for their quick actions yesterday. Tony is a firefighter and also a registered nurse, and Elvis is a paramedic and registered nurse as well. Our team is lucky to have them.

7.

Jul 16
2008

4:10 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (xXx Racing-AthletiCo)

Yes, good work by the BBVP guys.

Also, thanks to the race organizers for filling in the gutter on the last turn with blacktop last night. MUCH better.

8.

Jul 16
2008

4:14 pm

supertick (Beverly Bike-Vee Pak)

BTW, nice sprint today Jeff!

9.

Jul 16
2008

4:30 pm

Andy Garrison (Breakaway)

I just want to say that we are happy to here that Mr. Scott will be ok. I want to thank Tony Rienks and Elvis Falbo for the assistance yesterday. As we all know cycling is a dangerous sport. The finish line cameras show Mr. Scott finish in the middle of the 25’ wide course. The closest riders were 20’ in front of him and 20’ behind him. The course was inspected on Tuesday by USA Cycling and approved. We have not had any other incidents at this part of the course. We have had numerous compliments from riders about how great the course is. Everyone has an opportunity to take a lap on any of our courses and if they feel that there is a somthing they don’t like they can get a credit or refund and not ride.
The most important issue is Mr. Scotts health and welfare. SuperWeek stands behind this course. In two days we have had fewer crashes than most one day races.

10.

Jul 16
2008

4:37 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (xXx Racing-AthletiCo)

Thanks, and congrats to Tony on his win.

11.

Jul 16
2008

8:00 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Project 5)

Get well soon Jim!!

12.

Jul 16
2008

11:07 pm

boylethebad (vitaminwater-Trek)

Hope Jim heals up soon.  Luke, about the barriers, check out the ones they have at the Tour of Ohio, you can see it in the first slide: http://www.racelistings.com/bike/2008/flyers/tourofohio.pdf
they intersect the ground in a triangle so they actually angle away from the racers.  If you put signs on them, like at Superweek, it creates a smooth barrier that should deflect the momentum down the course, making it safer.  This is the same style of barrier used in the ProTour and TdF.

13.

Jul 16
2008

11:44 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Flatlandia)

I visited Jim Scott in the hospital today and he is in good spirits. Jim wanted everyone to know that he and his family are very appreciative as well as thankful of all the well wishes and support they have received.

He should be home by this Friday.  Shortly thereafter he will give his recollection of exactly what happened during the finish of the Bensenville race.

14.

Jul 17
2008

12:02 am

Luke Seemann's avatar

Luke Seemann (XXX Racing-AthletiCo)

The closest riders were 20’ in front of him and 20’ behind him.

I’m sorry, but this is not accurate, unless by “20’” you mean “20 inches.” (Such a mix-up happened to Spinal Tap. It could happen to anyone.)

In my photos of the sprint, Jim is in a pack of five. He is right on the wheel of the winner from South Chicago Wheelmen. Riders from North Branch and Spidermonkey finish half a length behind him, on the right side of the course.

However, I welcome the invitation to seek refunds over safety concerns.

15.

Jul 17
2008

7:38 am

Matt Smith (Burnham Racing)

Man, I hate those barriers.  Like 10 years ago, I broke a set of Heliums at downers grove by catching the sharp tip of one right on the rim.

I hate when promoters set them up so the feet are on the road—like they were at Olympia Club.  At Bensenville the feet ended in the grass, though.

16.

Jul 17
2008

8:00 am

delirious71 (Project 5 Racing)

After racing the bensenville course yesterday it seems to me that superweek only pads obstacles on the corners.  i don’t know how many light poles, mailboxes, not to mention the playground equipment that was right on the edge of the course.  Shouldn’t all of these things be hay bailed?

17.

Jul 17
2008

5:57 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Project 5)

I am now out of the hospital.  I would like to give a couple of special mentions:

1.  The 2 nurses and the doctor that helped me out at the scene.  They were fantastic and I had no problem putting my life into their hands.  Thanks a ton, guys…
2. All the well-wishers that have stopped by my room, texted, emailed, and called me over the last couple of days.  I am honored and humbled by your attention.
3. My fellow competitors during the race.  The communication during the race was fantastic, there were no dicey moves on a challenging course, and it was awesomely (is that a word?) fast.
4. Luke for taking the time to post this and allow people the opportunity for well wishes and for me to see them…

The crash happened as was speculated earlier: I threw the bike and when I pulled it back under me, the barriers were right there.  I would think that the most we were going through the race through that section was ~25 mph.  I show a max speed of 33.7 mph just before the crash…(and the last 25 seconds were a 924 watt average with 1256 max, Mr. Goodwin)

I think one of the biggest issues was that the feet of the barriers for our race were on the pavement.  If they were on the grass, it would have given me 6 - 8 extra inches to correct.  Would I still have crashed?  I don’t know…

That is one of the questions that just can’t be answered, so is best not being asked.

Oh, darn right I was hopping with joy over my 3rd place finish…  These guys are fast…

Thanks again to everyone,

Jim

18.

Jul 17
2008

6:10 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Flatlandia)

Glad to hear you’re home Jim.

19.

Jul 17
2008

10:22 pm

Peter Allen's avatar

Peter Allen (XXX Racing/Athletico)

Jim-

Glad to hear you’re doing better.  I hope you’re able to get on the bike soon.  Your PowerTap and the rest of us miss you…:)  Heal well!

-Pete

20.

Jul 18
2008

11:25 am

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (xXx Racing Athletico)

Glad to hear you’re home.  Continue to heal and we’ll see you out there, Jim!

William

21.

Jul 18
2008

1:59 pm

Luke Seemann's avatar

Luke Seemann (XXX Racing-AthletiCo)

We’re rooting for you, Jim. Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a speedy, painless recovery.

Also, can I have your sprint?

22.

Jul 18
2008

3:57 pm

Andy Garrison (Breakaway)

Jim,

The SuperWeek Family wishes you a speedy recovery. We are grateful that you are home. We hope to see you on your bike soon!

The SuperWeek Staff

23.

Jul 18
2008

4:59 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (NorthBranch Cycling)

Sorry-
A late poster here….Jim, I’m very happy to hear that you are recovering well. I caught your crash out of the corner of my eye. I was 4th and was watching for the line. I hope you can pick up where you left off soon. You have one heck of a strong finish!

24.

Jul 18
2008

8:36 pm

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (Project 5)

Hey Jim! Glad to hear you are healing well. I was the TURIN guy w/the girlfriend hangin out with you on the bleachers before the race and she and I both wish you the best! Im a chiro in your area and i extend my help or aid to you if you so desire. I ask nothing in return.

 

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