ON the same day professional Hereford cycling outfit NFTO Pro Cycling recorded is biggest win, the team took to social media to pass on their wishes to rider Mick Ballantyne who was seriously injured riding at the Circuit of the Fens last month.

A collision with a steam engine during the Cambridgeshire race left Mr Ballantyne in critical condition, taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with head, chest and leg injuries.

However yesterday NFTO Race Club said: “Our rider who crashed at Circuit of the Fens is doing really well, stable but still being looked after in hospital and slowly getting back to his old self.

“Get well soon.”

The news was met with relief from the cycling community, with hundreds reacting to the statement on social media.

On August 1, five days after the crash, Mr Ballantyne’s family passed on their thanks through the club’s facebook page.

Their statement said: “The family of our injured club member has asked us to pass on a huge thank you to all the kind words received.

“As with all serious injuries the recovery can take a while, we will pass on any news from the family that we receive. Thank you all.”

Mr Ballantyne had been racing alongside team owner John Wood in the event’s support race.

Riding in the elite race on the same day were eventual winner, NFTO’s Adam Blythe – who recorded a historic victory over the likes of Bradley Wiggins in the London – Surrey Classic last weekend – and Russell Downing.

Mr Downing had previously tweeted his support for his injured team-mate.

He said: "A great 1st and 3rd at Circuit of Fens with @AdamBlythe89 taking the win me 3rd .but our thoughts are with our @NFTORace rider mick b.”