CYCLISTS are the latest to fall foul of the county’s potholes after six people needed hospital treatment during a race.

The riders came off during the Climb on Bikes race that went through Sutton St Nicholas, Cross Keys, Burley Gate and Bodenham.

A total of 82 people took part in the event but organisers said that they may change the route next year because of the problems.

“Racers accept the risk of crashes and injury when they enter a race – it’s part of the inherent danger of the sport,” said organiser Andy Pullen.

“However, although we put all necessary precautions in place, including the use of many static race marshals, warning signs, cones, red flags, motorcycle marshals and first aid cover from a motorcycle medic, racers are now having little choice but to race on less than ideal road surfaces.

“I am really disappointed that the council did not do more to improve the road surface for this race.”

Andy claims that Herefordshire Council was informed about the race prior to the event, including where the worst potholes were, but he said that many “minor” ones were still left unrepaired.

Amey Herefordshire, which currently works to manage the highways on behalf of Herefordshire Council, confirmed that a service request was received and prioritised, but not all of the repairs were able to be completed before the event.

“In response to the increasing level of potholes across the county and with limited budgets and resources to deal with this on-going problem, Amey has to prioritise them on the basis of risk,” read the statement.

“Amey and Herefordshire Council will continue to work closely with groups holding special events to ensure that we are able to support these as much as possible.”

The race was won by 23- year-old Luke Churchas, from Gannett Cycling Club.