FIVE CYCLISTS MOWED DOWN AND HURT DURING EARLY MORNING RIDE:

TOWNSVILLE’S cycling community is furious but not surprised as they call for tolerance after a group of cyclists were mowed down on their morning ride.

Respected medical professionals John Masson, wife Kirsteen Masson and Di Graham are among five experienced cyclists who were injured on Dalrymple Rd yesterday.

The 28-year-old Mount Louisa man alleged to have hit them and fled the scene will face court today charged with six offences, including dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

The mangled mess of their bikes, reflector lights still flashing and wheels bent, was strewn over the major road yesterday as the forensic crash unit pieced together the incident that left all five in hospital.

The Massons are wellknown members of the cycling community who have tackled overseas rides.

Cycling Queensland confirmed two of the victims were members of the association.

The Toyota RAV4 believed to have been involved was dumped nearby with a shattered windscreen and blood splatter down a door panel.

Townsville Cycle Club president Simon Ormes said the incident was horrific but the next might be even worse.

“It’s getting riskier and riskier … we take that chance every time we get on our bikes but all cyclists deserve to be safe on the roads,” he said.

“This should not have happened.”

All five victims, aged between 36 and 58 years old, remained at Townsville Hospital with varying injuries including a fractured pelvic, fractured ribs and a large amount of gravel rash.