A cyclist has been airlifted to hospital following an incident at a popular mountain biking park.
The man was flown to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with head and chest injuries after the incident at BikePark Wales in Merthyr Tydfil at around midday on Monday.
Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team said the man was drifting in and out of consciousness and was "exhibiting signs of reduced neurological function."
Read more: Cyclist suffers life-changing injuries after being hit by car on City Road in Cardiff
The rescue team also said the man had a displaced clavicle and an increased respiratory rate - and so the decision was made for him to be airlifted to hospital by the Coastguard helicopter.
Opened in 2013, BikePark Wales is the UK’s largest purpose-built bike park and recently expanded following a 100% increase in visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Located in Gethin Park in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, the park offers some of the most diverse and challenging all-weather mountain bike trails in the country - including a new trail, called 'Kermit', aimed at riders looing for a first taste of the sport.
A statement from Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team read: "Around lunchtime today (Monday) we were requested to attend BikePark Wales following contact with one of the Park’s First Responders who were dealing with a male rider who had sustained a head injury and exhibiting signs of reduced neurological function.
"Initially assessed by two of our Casualty Carers the casualty was drifting in and out of consciousness, had suffered a head injury, a displaced clavicle, a chest injury with increased ‘resp rate’ so the decision was made to request air support from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter R187 from St Athan to ensure an expedient delivery to definitive care at UHW, Cardiff.
"Working in conjunction with the BPW staff, the helicopters winchman paramedic and the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust Hazardous Area Response Team the casualty was packaged and loaded on to the aircraft for onwards transfer to hospital.
"With our thanks to everyone present who helped, we wish the gentleman a speedy recovery."
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